TUC Pensions Conference 2023: "Pensions in a Cost of Living Crisis"

Yesterday I returned to Congress House, the TUC headquarters for its annual pension conference. This event involves union officers, pension trustees and activists with expert presentations/Q&A and workshops. It was great to be back in person at long last. I am a UNISON appointed employee member of a LGPS Pension Board and the Local Government trade union appointee to the London CIV. 

The theme this year had to be "Pensions in a Cost of Living Crisis". Below is based on my tweets during the day. Not a comprehensive report on all the presentations since I was trying to pull together and send to my employer a pay claim while listening. 

I was lucky to be picked by panel chairs to ask a number of questions. I was sitting in the front (as normal) and wearing my lucky blue checked shirt. 

Great to be back at

@The_TUC

for its #pensions conference. Open by new General secretary

@nowak_paul

& 1st keynote speaker David Pitt-Watson (good to see again)

@theRSAorg

 

David speaking persuasively on the case for #CollectiveDefindedContribution #pensions. DB best - since employer guarantees, but DC annuities worse since invest in low return gilts. #CDC 30% better DC. (Or even #CollectiveDefinedContribution #CDC. I will post more on CDC.

Now important panel on improving trustee diversity & inclusion Chair Janice Turner

@bectu

, Westminster LGPS,

@unisontheunion

@unisonglr

Chris Smith & Zoe Burdo from

@LCP

(thanks for the name check Chris)

Keynote speaker Shadow DWP secretary

@JonAshworth

MP speaks about proud record on #pensions by

@UKLabour

& unions but now must undo when in power years of #tory pension failure

Labour’s priorities for pensions: Economic growth underpinning a growing state pension Support for older people who want to stay in work Expanding auto-enrolment

My question to

@JonAshworth

would

@UKLabour

reconsider role of #DB pensions? My #LGPS is now 123% funded. Lots of colleagues here in Private DB have had their funds closed unnecessary. Also, do you share concerns about employers breaking #tupe & #pension promises?

He asked for clarification & yes to concern about employers breaking pension promises

Panel on Extending working lives. #TUCpension23 being addressed by

@unisontheunion

National Officer Teresa Donegan on #unisoncollage & member learning.

Final Panel: Big ideas to fix the pension system Chair by former Labour pension minister

@greggmcclymont

now with trade union owned

@IFM_Investors

Gregg McClymont

@greggmcclymont

·

Mar 1

Replying to

@grayee

and

@IFM_Investors

The ideas - state annuity, state pension as property right, public asset manager - certainly lived up to the ‘think big ideas’ challenge

Since this was the TUC, of course, the event had to finish with some "beer and sandwiches" (well, crisps and nuts). At which I was given a great compliment by the legendly pension figure, Con Keating "I see you are still causing trouble John".