All we want for Christmas is our pension scheme!

by Chris Bartter

Around 1,000 UNISON members who are scheduled to transfer to the new Skills Development Scotland are still waiting to hear what is to happen to their pensions.

The new agency should be up and running by 1st April 2008 and UNISON will be the main union representing around 70 -80 % of the 1500 staff. It is an amalgamation of Careers Scotland within Highlands and Island Enterprise, Careers Scotland within Scottish Enterprise, the Skills and Learning Department of Scottish Enterprise and Learn Direct.

James Corry, Branch Secretary for the Careers Scotland branch says, "Despite the fact that it takes some 4 - 6 months to affiliate to the LGPS, we are still awaiting clarification on the pension options for the staff transferring to this new super sized quango.

"We had recently written to the reps of the new agency requesting an urgent meeting to discuss this and other matters relating to the impending transfer.

"An initial positive meeting took place this week however we are still waiting a guarantee that transferring staff will not have to accept any detriment to their current pension provision .

"Although pension provision is a complex area there is a distinct possibility that staff will transfer to the new agency without appropriate arrangements in place for their continued pension provision - it will not be surprising if such staff are reluctant to welcome the creation of the new organisation."

UNISON have impressed upon representatives of the new agency at the recent meeting that this matter that requires urgent clarification The Branch is currently arranging Christmas cards with the message 'All I want for Christmas is my pension scheme.' These will be filled in by staff and delivered to The Cabinet Secretary responsible for Careers - Fiona Hyslop MSP.

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