Pension case set for hearing in 2018
A CHALLENGE to the legality of changes made to the States pension scheme is expected to go to trial next year.
A new pension scheme for States employees came into effect on 1 March 2016, but Unite the Union argues it breached members' contracts.
Unite is funding the action on behalf of two of its members, Ben Pirouet and Dale Batiste, but proceedings are likely to have broader implications for other members in what would appear to be a test case.
A case management hearing in the Royal Court yesterday heard that 'substantial hurdles of going to trial seemed to have gone away'.
At a hearing in December, the legal team representing the States was invited by the judge, Lt-Bailiff James McNeill QC, to amend its defences or risk having them struck out.
The court heard yesterday how that had been done and agreed by both sides by consent.
It is hoped that the trial will commence on the week beginning 8 January and it could last for the rest of the month.
Both parties will employ experts with regards to calculating any losses that might arise.
