HISTORIC ROYAL PALACES STAFF PENSIONS (No. 2)

That this House notes with concern the decision of Historic Royal Palaces to close the defined benefits pension and move 120 staff to a defined contribution scheme; further notes the negative financial impact this will have on those who are currently in the defined benefits scheme, with some receiving substantially reduced pensions; is aware that PCS represents heads of departments, Yeoman warders, admissions, IT and security staff at Historic Royal Palaces; recognises that following a consultative ballot PCS members overwhelmingly rejected the offer, with 91.4 per cent supporting strike action on a 72 per cent turnout; realises that industrial action is a last resort for PCS members to protect their pensions; and calls on the Government to intervene to stop the closure of the current scheme and ensure that staff working at Historic Royal Palaces receive the pensions they were promised and deserve.