Police staff members of Unison in Sussex, alongside local council workers and other public servants, are striking about proposed changes to our pension scheme, following the announcement of an overwhelming majority who voted in favour of industrial action.

My colleagues and I did not want industrial action but have been forced into this position by the actions of the Government and the Local Government Association who are proposing cuts to our pensions.

Police staff provide a vital organisational and operational service to the community of Sussex, yet we are being singled out for unfair treatment compared to our police officer colleagues and other public sector workers.

Teachers, civil servants, NHS staff, fire fighters and the armed forces have, like police officers, been promised existing pension benefits will be protected when schemes change for new members.

Police staff and other member of the local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) have received no such promise.

LGPS members save six per cent of their earnings into a fund intended to provide a decent pension in old age without having to rely on state benefits. Now the employers want to introduce changes which would mean many thousands retiring later in life, receiving a smaller pension, or both.

A far as Unison is concerned, strike action will always be a last resort, but the ballot result is a reflection of members' strength of feeling.

We hoped a strike could be averted but it seems only the intervention of the Government can ensure a negotiated settlement.

I hope readers understand our position and urge them to contact their MPs or Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, in support of our case.

-Sarah Reed, UNISON Sussex Police Staff Branch