Guernsey's States 'wrong to imply' pensions deal agreed

Guernsey's States is wrong to imply an agreement has been reached over public pensions, according to the group that represents public servants.

In December it was announced public sector pensions were set to change.

The Association of States Employees Organisations has written an open letter which said it wanted "meaningful negotiation" on the matter.

It said although it was not opposed to change, it should be justified through a properly argued economic case.

It said the announcement by the island's government implying an agreement had been reached was wrong and unhelpful.

Currently 4,700 public sector workers contribute to a final salary pension scheme.

But it was proposed this would change from 2014, to move members to a career average pension instead.

The changes will affect civil servants, teachers, nurses, and public service employees.

The association said at the most recent valuation the surplus in the Public Service Pensions Scheme was over £40m.