For years, teachers’ pensions lagged behind those in the public sector for the simple reason that the “pension pot” was non-existent.

Six per cent of a teacher’s salary was taken which went straight to the Treasury, which dictated the size of the pension.

In contrast the private sector was riding on the stock market boom. There was no suggestion at that time that teachers’ pensions should be raised to match these.

Now that private sector pensions have gone pear-shaped, teachers are being told they should match the downward spiral of the private sector. Where is the fairness in that? Further, teachers are being told they should remain in post until they are 68.

Research done some years ago showed that the life expectancy of a teacher who waited for retirement until 65 was a further two-and-a-half years.

Teaching is a young person’s profession needing the vigour and energy of youth. I estimate that I peaked in my early forties, and had I remained in post until 65 would have done no favours to my health nor contributed to the success of the school where I worked.

I am now “enjoying” in my mid-seventies, a very modest pension compared with others with similar qualifications who have worked in the private sector and feel that my successors are to be punished for my having lived longer.

Peter Braithwaite, Netherwoods, Strensall, York.