Union ballots for strike action over schools’ exit from Teachers’ scheme

The GDST, a group of 23 independent schools and two academies, put the proposal to a consultation in September, after new regulations came into force that allow independent schools to begin a phased withdrawal from the TPS for future employees while allowing existing staff to remain as active members.

It cited a 43 per cent hike in contributions in 2019 as having made the existing arrangement unaffordable. GDST is just the latest example of independent schools looking to leave the TPS — one in 10 were reportedly considering the same move in response to the 2019 rate hikes.

Other independent schools have faced industrial action over the matter, and GDST is no exception. The NEU, the recognised union for staff across all 23 schools in the group, is holding an indicative ballot to gauge support for strike action, which the union said is the first such ballot in the 149-year history of the trust.

The ballot “shows the depth of feeling and anger this proposal has created among staff”, the union said.

Cheryl Giovannoni, GDST chief executive, said in a letter to teachers: “We appreciate that our teachers’ pensions are a significant part of the overall reward package they receive, and the decision to propose changes to pensions for teachers has not been taken lightly. 

“Today, the independent schools sector faces challenging times, and many independent schools have already made the decision to leave the TPS following the substantial increase in costs in 2019.

“We are committed to a full and robust consultation period and want to hear the views of our teachers and NEU representatives, and we will consider all feedback received before we make any final decisions.”

The union, however, argued that membership of the TPS “is a fundamental part of a teacher’s contractual remuneration”. 

“For many teachers in the trust, not being in the TPS is a deal-breaker. The proposal would leave remuneration in trust schools significantly worse than local state schools. It is likely that there will be a talent drain from trust schools as teachers and leaders are forced to leave to protect their retirement,” it said.

Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the NEU, said: “The proposal by the GDST to leave the TPS is an unnecessary decision.

“There is no imperative reason to leave the scheme. The trust’s finances are healthy, as can be seen in their public accounts. No evidence to the contrary has been provided to staff or their recognised union, the NEU.

“We continue to engage with the employer and sincerely hope we can persuade the trust to withdraw their plan to remove our members’ pension rights under the TPS,” he added.

The indicative ballot runs until December 6.