Flawed regulations threatened to blight the retirement of millions
The article Government exit payment rethink will bring relief to millions of public sector workers first appeared on the UNISON…Read more…
GE’s ‘financial torpedo’ on workers’ pensions
Nearly 3,000 workers at industrial conglomerate GE will be taking ‘a huge financial hit’ under proposals to close the defined benefit final salary pension scheme, Unite warned today (February 1)….Read more…
Palestine: Is your pension invested in the occupation?
UNISON launches new guide on pension fund engagement and divestment from companies involved in the occupation of Palestine
The article Palestine: Is your pension invested in the occupation? first…Read more…
Moving pension funds past the greenwash
The investment industry is responding to the demands of pension funds for investment strategies that address climate change. However, we should seek to distinguish between meaningful action and…Read more…
LAPFF webinar highlights video 2020 Dec 2-4
Check out highlights of the Local Authority Pension Fund Forum virtual conference for 2020 (only 1 minute 40 secs). Despite the challenges of online webinars there was a number of excellent speakers and lively panel debates.
Check out some provoc…Read more…
Newham Council Pension Fund wins LAPF “Good Governance Award”
Good Governance AwardWinner: London Borough of NewhamFinalistsEssex Pension FundLondon Borough of NewhamWest Midlands Pension FundI was really pleased to see that Newham won this award on Tuesday. Great work by the Pension Committee C…Read more…
Fund managers deny Pension Trustees & their members a voice says AMNT
Well done to the AMNT (Association of Member Nominated Trustees) for this excellent stance on the refusal of many pension fund managers to allow trustees and pensioners to hold them to account for the way they vote in company Annual General Meeti…Read more…
Unions stand up to BHP and exploitative mining companies
Today I took part in as a pension trustee in an online asset owner briefing by trade unions (IndustriALL Global Union) who organise workers in Columbia, Chile and Australia employed (directly or indirectly) by the multinational mining …Read more…
COVID reverses progress on financial equality
“When the country starts to count the cost of the pandemic, we can’t allow the burden to fall on women – again”
The article COVID reverses progress on financial equality first appeared on the UNISON…Read more…
UNISON will continue to oppose ‘outrageous’ exit payment plans
The union repeats its criticism of government plans to bring in a cap on public sector exit payments
The article UNISON will continue to oppose ‘outrageous’ exit payment plans first…Read more…
Limit on mega council pay-offs could cost middle-income workers thousands
Long-serving staff caught up in flawed government law
The article Limit on mega council pay-offs could cost middle-income workers thousands first appeared on the UNISON National site.Read more…
Newham Pension Committee: We have a 111 year old pensioner! No tobacco pledge (and why parents should join the LGPS – and anyone else lucky enough to be eligible)
This evening I took part in the Newham Council Pension Committee, which runs the staff pension fund (under government regulations and guidance). It was our first “public” committee meeting (via zoom) since lock down. It was broadcast live on Facebook (…Read more…
UNISON extends solidarity to women in pensions appeal hearing
Court of Appeal will decide on lost pensions for women born in the 1950s
The article UNISON extends solidarity to women in pensions appeal hearing first appeared on the UNISON National site.Read more…
A gentler way to talk about pensions
Hat tip Henry Tapper and I totally agree with Henry (on this matter)
“Yesterday afternoon I had a chat with Glyn Jenkins. Most of my conversations with Glyn over the years have been in the bar of Unison’s Marylebone’s offices. Glyn is old school …Read more…
UNISON welcomes Supreme Court decision on ethical LGPS investment
Court overturns LGPS regulations banning investment decisions which aren’t in line with government foreign and defence policy
The article UNISON welcomes Supreme Court decision on ethical LGPS…Read more…
‘Slap in the face’
Commenting on reports that the UK’s largest housing association Clarion is to hike employee pension contributions to 22.9 per cent a year, Unite regional officer Matt Freeman said today, (February…Read more…
How pension funds can invest responsibly
In the last few months, I have completed three projects on Responsible Investment (also known as Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)) in the pensions sector. One a broad policy paper and two…Read more…
Impact investing in Social Housing: An Asset Owner & Landlord Prospective
Last month I was on a panel at a seminar on “social impact investing” in property. In my capacity as a pension trustee seeking long term financial returns and as the lead member for Housing in a Council with a desperate housing crisis.
While the …Read more…
Community Executive NEC report: John Gray 4 December 2019
Firstly, apologies that I will have to leave this meeting early as I have to travel to Bournemouth today to attend a Pension Conference.
NEC 9 October 2019
This was the first full meeting of the new NEC at the UNISON centre. There was still problem…Read more…
“Mike Ashley blocks Labour councillor from Sports Direct board meetings after Corbyn row”
Hat tip Laura Onita Telegraph
“Sports Direct tycoon Mike Ashley has blocked a Labour councillor from joining the retailer’s board meetings after a spat with Jeremy Corbyn.
The billionaire wrote to John Gray, who is also the vice-chair of the Loca…Read more…