OVER the past months there has been a great deal of propaganda and misinformation about public service pensions.

There is no doubt that this will increase in the run up to the November 30 when public service workers across the country take strike action to defend pensions.

We often hear that Public Sector Pensions, are ‘gold plated’, the reality is very different. The average local government pension is £4,200 a year, the average for a women is just £2,870. That is limited financial security in old age — not gold plated at all.

We often hear that Public Service Pension are in financial crisis and the country cannot afford them. YET local government pension scheme is ‘Cash Rich’ with £150 billion in assets, much of it invested here in the UK, mainly in the FTSE 100 companies which benefits the UK economy.

The government are asking us to work longer, I joined the council in 1986, when I was 19 years old, I am 43 years old, they want me to work until I am 67 years of age. For these extra years and the extra payments they want me to take less out when I do eventually retire.

I’ve worked hard, I’ve paid into my pension scheme, they wish to break that contract, We have no choice but to fight and defend our pensions – they are our deferred earnings.

Readers need to know the FACTS NOT the FICTION.

Andrea Egan Unison Member