Letter template: Write to John Swinney

[Home address]

John Swinney,
Cabinet Secretary for Finance,
Employment and Sustainable Growth

Dear Mr Swinney

Scottish Teachers’ Superannuation Scheme – potential contribution increases

I am a member of the Educational Institute of Scotland and contribute to the Scottish Teachers’ Superannuation Scheme.

I have been advised by the EIS that you are currently considering the possible implementation of further contribution increases for the years 2013/14 and 2014/15.

I understand that it is the UK Coalition Government which has instigated these proposals, and that Scottish Government will have to find revenue from elsewhere in its budget should you decide not to increase contributions. These increases, however, are a targeted additional tax which does nothing to improve the pension payable to teachers. I urge you reject this further attack on the living standards of Scotland’s teachers

Negotiations between the teaching unions and Scottish Government on the scheme specific arrangements are at a crucial stage. Any announcement of contribution increases will sour those negotiations and make more difficult any agreement between teachers, employers and Government. The prospect of unrest in our schools is more likely in the absence of a pension settlement which is acceptable to Scottish teachers.

I urge you to consider this matter carefully.

Yours sincerely

[Your name]

cc: [Local MSP name]