A steady stream of new Pensions Champions are coming in as branches register their volunteers for this important post. If your branch does not have one yet you can register

your champions and contacts at: http://www.unison.org.uk/pensions/pop_involved.asp

Details of training courses for Pensions Champions have been circulated to branches as follows:

If you want to attend one of these contact Loraine Bartlett l.bartlett@unison.co.uk.

A training module is also available for Pension Contacts. These can be delivered at branch level or with a grouping of branches in a half day. Contact your Regional Organiser for details.

The UK Government is changing the indexing of public sector pension increases each year from the Retail Price Index (RPI) to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The effect of the change is likely to cut pension benefits by at least 15%. There are now three Early Day Motions (EDM) specifically about the change from RPI to CPI in the Pensions Increase (Review) Order 2011, no 827.

John Robertson's EDM 1032 dated 17 Nov 2010 has 129 signatures

http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2010-11/1032

Calls for change to be postponed pending assessment of effect

John McDonnell's EDM 1625 dated 17 Mar 2011 has 64 signatures

http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2010-11/1625

Calls for the order to be annulled

Ed Miliband's EDM 1629 dated 17 Mar 2011 also has 64 signatures

http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2010-11/1629

Calls for the order to be withdrawn