The 2019 employer contribution increase to the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS) saw a sizeable number of independent sector school employers withdraw from the scheme.
Since then NEU members in many independent schools have successfully defeated their employer’s proposals to deprive them of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
You have shown that we can win.
Now, we need to redouble our efforts as, unfortunately, things have just got tougher.
The employer contribution rate for the TPS is increasing on 1st April 2024 from 23.6% to 28.6%. The scale of the increase was unexpected and is in part due to wholly unnecessary decisions by government. Employers are claiming that the increase is unaffordable. For some this will be true but for others it is a choice.
Our strategy learnt from the TPS Campaign has stood us in good stead: act early; act as the NEU; use the leverage of strike action.
However, the scale of the threat means that we need to sharpen our tactics. Wherever possible, we need to be on the front foot.
You can play your part.
Start the conversation with NEU members in your school now. Before the employer takes any steps, consider passing a motion stating staff will vote on strike action if pay is cut in real terms, pension is threatened, or workload increased.
Raise general awareness amongst your colleagues. Be ready to use the action plan below.
It is not going to be easy. But, together, we can win and improve outcomes.