Letter: Shephard's pension changes mean mass exodus of teachers
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: It is disingenuous for Gillian Shephard ("Early teacher retirement is not a right", 9 January) to dress up her proposals on teacher pensions simply as putting "early retirement back on a sensible footing".
The timing of the changes is leading to an employer-encouraged mass exodus of over-50-year-olds who will leave teaching before 1 April 1997, while they are still entitled to a pension. The exodus will play havoc with the education of students and pupils, especially those facing examinations in June and July; and put extra financial pressure on the Teachers' Pension Scheme, when the purpose of the proposed changes is to reduce such pressure.
SEB SCHMOLLER
Sheffield
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments