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Local government unions are to ballot members over pension reforms that would leave existing council staff in a worse position than other public sector workers.

The unions, including Unison  and Napo, are threatening strikes over the refusal by government and councils to allow existing pension scheme members to retain the right to retire at 60 on a full pension. Other public sector workers retained this right in a deal reached last October, but new entrants to the NHS, civil service and teaching profession are facing a retirement age of 65.

Under the plans for councils, existing members would have to retire after 60 to gain full benefits, though there will be some protection for those who reach 60 before 2013.

The Scottish executive has proposed similar reforms (click HERE for details).