Letter: Shephard's pension changes mean mass exodus of teachers

Sir: Gillian Shephard argues that it is her duty to ensure that teachers enjoying good health and secure employment should continue in service until they are 60.

However, the Government's proposals would also deny a pension to teachers over 50 who are made compulsorily redundant. These days this is an increasingly likely and frightening prospect for many, since all further education colleges and many schools are independent institutions without the support and resources of a local education authority. Thirty years or so of hard labour in the classroom would then in all likelihood be followed by unemployment and impoverishment.

If she wishes to avoid leaving a legacy of fear and bitterness in the profession, Mrs Shephard needs urgently to re-examine her proposals to eliminate such injustice.

STEVEN TURNBULL

Torquay, Devon