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Ill-timed strikes

SIR – Whether or not we agree with strikes (report, December 1), their timing, in the run-up to Christmas, says more about the unions than the need for action.

In addition, there is a war taking place in Europe, and Britain is a major player in helping Ukraine. Surely, at this time, the country should be pulling together to improve productivity and help pay our way out of the problems caused by the pandemic, the recent political upheavals and the conflict in Ukraine. Jackie Perkins

Whitstable, Kent

SIR – Many members of the University and College Union who have been taking part in strikes (report, November 29) include scientists and researchers. These careers involve years of training, often with no early pension provision.

To compensate, pensions in later career have been secure and generous, despite generally low salaries compared with other professions.

A cut of 35 per cent in guaranteed pension income, which will disproportionately affect younger and mid-career scientists, is likely to decrease the talent pool in the universities and reduce the United Kingdom’s competitiveness.

This cannot be a good outcome for a country that intends to lead in technology and innovation. Professor Nick Evans

University of Southampton

Letters To The Editor

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https://dailytelegraph.pressreader.com/article/282037626186242

Daily Telegraph