Teachers at Loughborough Grammar School take strike action

The Leicestershire branch of the NASUWT said the decision was made over the removal of members from the Teachers Pension Scheme.

The Union claims members felt their only option left was to strike, due to the loss in pay reportedly caused by the decision of the School's Governors to withdraw from the Teachers Pension Scheme and replace it with an inferior private scheme.

The strike begins tomorrow (9th June) and will run for 6 days over the month. Those days are:

• Wednesday 9th June 2021
• Wednesday 16thJune 2021
• Thursday 17th June 2021
• Tuesday 22nd June 2021
• Wednesday 23rd June 2021
• Thursday 24th June 2021

Loughborough Schools Foundation said it was 'regretful' they have to leave the 'generous' state pension scheme, but they did not feel they could pass on the 43% increase in employer pension contributions to our parents through school fees. They were informed of the strike in a letter on 24th May. 

In a statement the Foundation said, "The Union claims members felt there only option left was to strike, due to the loss in pay reportedly caused by the decision of the Schools Governors to withdraw from the Teachers Pension Scheme and replace it with an inferior private scheme.

"Staff have been offered an alternative pension that compares very favourably to that offered in other industries.

"We are very confident that boys’ learning will not suffer as a result of this action. Boys are taking their end-of-year school exams today as planned. The School leadership remains committed to open communication with all staff, so that we can move forward constructively following this difficult but necessary financial decision."

NASUWT Leicestershire Secretary Luke Akhurst said, “What worries staff most, is that the undervaluing of teaching staff, will result in them leaving and damage recruitment. The Foundation has an excellent reputation in the area and this will only be maintained by investing in the high quality teaching the school is renowned for.”

The Union said that despite representatives putting forward numerous ways to make savings without hurting the quality of teaching at the foundation, the board of governors decided to press ahead and withdraw from the scheme.