Beefeaters in ballot over strike

BEEFEATERS are threatening to go on strike for the first time in more than half a century in a row over pensions.

The last time the warders walked out was in 1963, to demand a 25 shillings a week pay rise – around £25 in today’s money. Union bosses say the sudden closure of an old scheme means members’ final salary pensions will be replaced by an inferior plan.

The changes, introduced in April, are thought to affect around 50 staff of Historic Royal Palaces (HRP). They will be balloted today on whether to strike on Jan 8.

Mick Ainsley, GMB regional officer, told The Telegraph: “Members are very angry and strike action is now looking more likely than not. The closure of the pension scheme came completely out of the blue with no discussion whatsoever.”

He said the Beefeaters saw the change as an “attack on their standard of living for the rest of their lives”. They were still prepared to negotiate and did not want to strike, but HRP had “left them with nowhere else to go”.

As the pension problem only affects around 50 union members, the Tower of London will still be guarded in the event of a walkout.

John Barnes, chief executive of Historic Royal Palaces, said 11 per cent of staff were affected by the closure of the scheme, which he said had become “financially unsustainable”.

He said staff had been extensively consulted, would benefit from “compensation and transition arrangements among the best in the market”, and would be joining “the same competitive defined contribution scheme as their colleagues”.