Like MLC I pay 11% each month from my salary into my pension scheme. This I have paid since I was 18 and now I'm 46. The promise in 1981 was a final salary pension. When I draw this my monthly pension will be half of my salary. So no, this pension is not free, gold plated or whatever.The spin is to turn the mistakes of the private sector onto the public sector.
As MLC said, the pay wasn't as great as the private sector. Friends enjoyed perks and well above inflation pay rises over the last 25 years. The biggest pay rise I have ever got was 3 %.
The other day we were comparing wages when we started. My take home salary in 1981 was £400. A colleague in 1992 was £800. He now takes home £1700. Not a great jump in nearly 30 years you have to agree. Thats why we count on performing our duty for 30 years to the best of our ability to serve the community, yes you, and at the end of it get a reasonable pension.
Is that too much to ask for. Now our paymasters are looking to turn on us because of the deficit. I for one will walk out the doors in regards my pension. I'm nearly finished and don't see why I should have to forego it now.
And as for PAYE. We keep this country afloat. Any self employed person I've have known has had a clever accountant to see that they pay as little tax as they can. Not a minority in any way.
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