Pensions and Pensioners

I was at another bloody funeral last week. My old mate and general good guy (for an editor) Joe Kelly passed away after a long hard struggle with cancer. He smoked and drank in the traditional mode and managed people in a way we would all like to be bossed. He never reached pensionable age (is it still 65?) and that is sad. However there are many journalists who will reach a time when they can access their pension, but what will be left for them to pick up?

The BBC have launched a vicious attack on their staff final salary scheme, not just future benefits but past savings too. The NUJ and sister unions are balloting for industrial action and a massive result is expected in favour of a strike option.

Newsquest UK could face the same threat after their decision to renege on past promises to support their FS pension scheme. They announced the bombshell last thing Friday afternoon. A popular time for them, as they did the same with the redundancy terms cut last month. Must be something about letting their staff leave the building with a smile on a Friday. I can feel a new logo coming here from beleagured Newsquest staff "Thank God it's not Friday".