UNISON officers in Hyndburn have arranged an urgent members’ meeting to fight pension cuts.

The meeting this week at Accrington Town Hall comes as fundamental changes are proposed to pension schemes and state pension benefits.

UNISON is currently in negotiation with the Government after pension changes were included in the budget earlier this year.

A regional officer will now address members on the impact of proposed changes such as higher pension contributions, increasing the state pension age and lower pensions on retirement.

The union also say that there is no protection for part-time workers and that higher earners could see up to 50 per cent increase, make schemes unaffordable.

UNISON members who are affected by the government’s pension proposals include members in the teacher’s pension scheme, the civil service pension scheme, the local government pension scheme and the NHS pension scheme.

Branch secretary Steve Watson said: “The local government pension scheme holds £160 billion of investments, it is cash-rich and financially viable for years. So why is the government proposing we pay more to get less and work longer?”

UNISON members are invited to the meeting at 12.30pm on Thursday, August 11 at Accrington Town Hall. Contact 01254 380105 or alternatively email Steve.Watson@hyndburnbc.gov.uk