UNITED SYNAGOGUE PENSION SCHEME

Early day motion 1613, tabled 8 September 2004 by Andrew Dismore (Labour). Signed by 10 members.

That this House expresses great concern over the future of the United Synagogue pension scheme; notes that the scheme provides pensions for rabbis, cantors, administrators, secretaries, clerks and other staff, who have worked for and on behalf of the United Synagogue, in a number of cases for decades; notes with concern that the scheme has not only been closed to new members, but is to be entirely wound up; recognises the fears of pension fund members over their future, as they have little prospect of being able to make up the difference through other arrangements, bearing in mind their relatively low incomes and the limited number of years remaining of their working lives; believes that whilst the United Synagogue may be operating strictly within the law, it has an ethical and moral duty to look after its rabbis and professional staff in their old age; and urges the United Synagogue to reconsider the closure of the scheme and to identify within its existing assets sufficient funds to restore the shortfall in the scheme, so as to ensure that its staff have a comfortable retirement in their old age.

Signatures by party: Labour 10.