- Conference
- 2004 Energy Service Group Conference
- Date
- 27 February 2004
- Decision
- Carried
Conference notes with concern the Labour Government’s proposals to make legislative changes to ensure that pension schemes do not allow individuals to receive their pensions before the age of 55.
Since 1990 power companies have traditionally reduced staffing levels during reorganisations, mergers, outsourcing, relocation exercises etc. by natural wastage, early retirements and voluntary redundancies.
Voluntary redundancies are a personal choice for individuals to make, but they are made more attractive by the provision of pension payments from the age of 50.
Conference believes that the removal of this option will have the inevitable consequence of removing the choice for individuals and, companies seeking cost savings may resort to compulsory redundancies.
Conference reaffirms its total opposition to compulsory redundancies and urges all branches in the Energy Service Group to campaign vigorously to protect good occupational pension schemes.
Conference instructs the Energy Service Group Executive to call upon the NEC, in conjunction with the pensions section, to mount a vociferous campaign to:
1)Highlight the effects these changes will have on members and employers alike;
2)Lobby Members of Parliament to reject this punitive legislation;
3)Mobilise support within the TUC.