We have been advised by Royal Mail that the 60-day consultation process on proposals for pension reform will commence from the 14th November and conclude on the 16th January.

Following the consultation period, Royal Mail’s intention is that any subsequent changes to pension arrangements will be introduced in April ’08.

Through our agreed Joint Statement the Union is supporting pension reform as part of the consultation process.

We are totally committed to the most informed debate possible throughout the consultation period and we will be undertaking regional seminars and communicating directly to CWU members on all pension issues.

It is also important we involve our members in the consultation process. Their views will inform the further discussions at the end of the consultation period.

As previously reported, pensions is not part of the Pay and Modernisation agreement. Pensions is being dealt with as a group-wide issue. All CWU members will be balloted separately on final proposals following the consultation.