Union willing to 'look at' pension entitlements for new members

A trade union is insisting it's not against change, after briefing politicians in the Isle of Man on what it sees as an alternative to the current proposals for reform of public sector pensions. 

In February, the Manx government began a six month public consultation on a review which recommends unifying the existing schemes into a single package.

Deputy General Secretary of Prospect Mike Clancy admits changes are needed but wants to ensure his members are protected.

Following yesterday's briefing session, he told Manx Radio:

"We recognise public sector pension provision is a challenge, but it's also a concern to our members.

"We are prepared to contemplate, if there is a genuine dialogue to be had, changes to the schemes which would, in our view, be able to protect existing members' pension entitlements, but look at what we provide for, say, new entrants for the future.

"But you can only take that sort of leadership and position of developing new proposals if we are not just talking about something which has already been decided."