Teachers strike over pension ultimatum

Staff at the school have gone on strike for the first time

Staff at a private girls' school in north London have gone on strike for the first time.

Teachers at Palmers Green High School in Enfield are protesting about suggested changes to their pensions.

They have been told they can accept a real-terms pay cut and stay in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) - or they can agree to move into an inferior pension scheme which will offer less financial security in retirement.

In addition, new staff joining the school, which has annual fees of more than £20,000, will have no option at all to join the TPS.

'Most valuable thing'

Members of the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) at the independent girls' school walked out on Monday and Tuesday ahead of the end of term on Wednesday.

Staff on the picket line said they were determined to protect their pension, describing it as "one of the most valuable things" they have, "apart from the children".

Head teacher Sarah Proudlove said she supported the teachers' strike, and is a member of the TSP herself.

She added: "However, my job is to make sure the school remains operational and keep the ship sailing.

"I'm very concerned that we get this resolved - and I know that we will in due course."

Ruth Duncan, NASUWT executive member for north-west London, said: "Teachers at Palmers Green have not made the decision to take strike action lightly, but have been left with no other option as their employer has proved unwilling to listen to their fears and concerns about these plans.

"Our members cannot and will not just stand by and accept being left worse off in retirement at the whim of their employer."