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Consultation on the "Fair Deal" Policy

    Consultation on the "Fair Deal" Policy

    15/06/2011

    NIPSA response to consultation on removal "Fair Deal" pension provision...

    Click here to download a pdf version

    I am writing on behalf of the Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance, Northern Ireland’s largest trade union representing over 45,000 civil and public servants.

    It is recognised, as per paras 1.10 and B5 of the consultation document, that this is a devolved matter for the NI Executive and the NI Assembly, however the point at B5 re devolved administrations broadly following ‘Fair Deal’ requires some comment from NIPSA. NIPSA considers that ultimately this is an issue for the NI Executive to deal with via detailed engagement with Stakeholders.

    NIPSA is opposed to the removal or weakening of ‘Fair Deal’ our concerns include:-

    The outworkings of Hutton and associated proposed changes to Public Sector Pension Reform are as yet unknown and clearly these could/will have implications impacting upon ‘Fair Deal’. It is therefore premature to come to any determination on ‘Fair Deal’;

    Both Hutton and the consultation paper make reference to provision of good public sector employment packages, of which pensions are a significant and crucial element. The removal/watering down of ‘Fair Deal’ is contrary to these statements. Hutton states that his proposals do not represent ‘a race to the bottom’ for public service pension provision, however the removal of ‘Fair Deal’ effectively torpedoes pension provision for many thousands of workers;

    A key missing objective (3.2) is the provision for adequate income in retirement. The Government via the McFall Review and the current consultation on ‘A State Pension for the 21st Century’ raises concern at the lack of pension planning, the removal of ‘Fair Deal’ will only exacerbate the decline in Pension Provision. Over 2/3 rds of Private Sector Companies make no provision for occupational pensions. Abandonment of ‘Fair Deal’ will also result in yet a further backward step from the Turner Report with regard to adequancy of income for retirement; and

    As per 3.9 the removal of ‘Fair Deal’ not only represents adverse impact on in-house bid it defacto will scupper any potential for in-house bids to succeed.

    Yours sincerely

     

     

    BUMPER GRAHAM

    Assistant General Secretary

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