Newsfrom the FDA

The union of choice for senior managers and professionals inpublic service

11June 2003

[Forimmediate use]

FDA concern at public sectorpension age rise

The FDA today joined in thechorus of concern at the Governments announcement of an intended rise in thepension age in the public sector to 65.While the FDA welcomes many of the proposals announced today by theSecretary of State, the announcement of changes in pension age are wholly unwelcome. The FDA does not believe that the Governmenthas made a case for this change and is concerned that they have ignored theviews of trade unions and the TUC who all rejected an imposed change in pensionage in the public sector.

FDA General SecretaryJonathan Baume said:

We are saddened that theGovernment appears in its statement today to give greater weight to the viewsof the Institute of Directors - many of whose members are responsible for thecurrent pensions crisis - rather than listening to the trade unions whorepresent literally millions of their own employees. The FDA will be joining with unions across the public sector toresist this change.

The FDA has joined othercivil service unions in calling on the TUC to take a lead in the public sectorin providing a co-ordinated response to the Governments proposals.

Notesfor Editors

1. The FDA is the trade union and professionalbody representing the UKs 11,000 senior civil and public servants. Our membersinclude policy advisors, senior managers, tax inspectors, economists, statisticians,accountants, special advisers, government lawyers, crown prosecutors and NHSmanagers.

2. For further information contact:

JonathanBaume (general secretary) on 020 7343 1111 or 07967 951191 (mobile).

JohnMerson (national officer) on 020 7343 1111 or 07866 445959

OliverRowe (press officer) on 020 7343 1111.