Nursery staff walk out over pensions dispute

More than 30 staff at six South Yorkshire nurseries walked out over Barnsley Council’s plan to transfer their operation to a private provider. The dispute centres on pensions: workers say the move would reduce their retirement benefits, while the council says it aims to protect jobs and keep childcare services available to families.

The GMB union says staff were told they would move from local government pensions to the provider’s statutory scheme, despite earlier assurances, and estimates some could be £10,000 worse off in retirement. The council says the new provider may offer wider childcare and reduce the cost to taxpayers. All six nurseries closed on Monday, and further strike action is planned for 18 and 26 November.