Members of NASUWT-The Teachers’ Union at Palmers Green High School in Enfield are taking two days of strike action next Monday and Tuesday over attempts to erode teachers’ access to a decent pension.

Teachers at the school are being asked to choose whether to accept a real-terms pay cut and stay in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) or agree to move into an inferior Defined Contribution pension scheme which will offer less financial security in retirement. In addition, new staff joining the school will have no option at all to join the TPS.

Dr Patrick Roach, NASUWT General Secretary, said:

“The employer’s proposals represent an unacceptable attack on the working conditions and financial security of hard-working teaching staff.

“The employer needs to recognise that its teaching staff are its most important asset. They should withdraw these plans and work with us to secure a resolution to this dispute.”

Ruth Duncan, NASUWT National Executive Member for North West London, said:

“Teachers at Palmers Green have not made the decision to take strike action lightly, but have been left with no other option as their employer has proved unwilling to listen to their fears and concerns about these plans.

“Our members cannot and will not just stand by and accept being left worse off in retirement at the whim of their employer.”