UCU joins other teacher unions to demand a review of TPS pension age

Unions which are members of the TPS Scheme Advisory Boards in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have written a letter to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, calling for the promised review of the link between the normal pension age in the scheme and state pension age. 

When TPS was reformed in 2015 the normal pension age in the scheme was linked to the State Pension age which is due to rise to 67 by March 2028.  Since then, the expected increases in life expectancy have slowed and been significantly impacted by Covid. 

Valuation reports from 2020 clarify that future improvements in life expectancy are reduced compared to 2016.  These have been significant and would, on their own, have reduced the employer contribution rate by between 2.3% and 3.0% across the three similar schemes for England/Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The schemes follow broadly the same regulations but have separate valuations. 

The 2015 reforms to public service schemes occurred as a result of the 2011 Hutton Review of public service pensions. This recommended the link, but it also recommended this be reviewed regularly, which has so far not occurred in the England/Wales and Scotland schemes.  

All 12 teaching unions that represent scheme members believe it's high time those reviews now occur.  

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: 'Retirement age and access to pensions are important issues for teaching staff in colleges and universities. As scheme member representatives, we want the Government to implement the Hutton Report's recommendations. It called for a review of the pension age to ensure the appropriateness of the link and fairness in retirement. Now life expectancy is beginning to stall it isn't fair that college and university staff are being forced to work ever longer to get their full benefits when they are less likely to have the long lives that will allow them time to enjoy their retirement.'