GMB have agreed to suspend tomorrow’s (8 January) strike action over pensions after accepting an offer of further talks from Historic Royal Palaces (HRP).

GMB members are to be consulted following the result of the talks and, if an improved offer is not acceptable to members, the strike action on 15 and 22 January will go ahead as planned.

HRP staff, including Beefeaters and Jewel House Wardens, voted overwhelming in favour to support strike action last month (December) over the loss of their pension.

GMB claimed that HRP decided to close employees’ final salary pensions and replace it with a pension they believed to be inferior, despite promises made to them at the time of privatisation.

GMB regional organiser, Michael Ainsley commented: "Working people’s pensions are being eroded at an alarming rate, which will inevitably cause financial problems, not only for future pensioners but for tax payers who will be asked to make good on increasing shortfalls.

"Successive government’s short sighted view that occupational pensions are a matter for employers and their own short term planning must stop or future generations will be left with an unaffordable bill.

"HRPs decision to scrap the final salary pension isn't born out of necessity, but out of opportunity as they see other employers doing the same thing without any scrutiny from government regarding future implications."

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