BRITAIN is in a pensions nightmare and much of the blame can be deposited in Downing Street.

This week the Government's promises that workers' occupational pensions were guaranteed turned out to be worthless - a betrayal which left thousands in penury after their firms failed.

Since the Chancellor raided pension funds, countless occupational schemes have gone. And now ministerial inconsistency over public sector pensions could lead to a strike which shuts schools and care homes.

Ministers plan to scrap the 85-year rule, which allows some local government workers to retire on full pensions in their mid-50s. The Government says the rule must go to comply with European law.

And it is unsustainable in the long term, with an ageing population certain to see more pensioners being supported through the taxes of fewer workers.

The Government is already minded to ditch the upper retirement age altogether. If the 85-year rule remained, a two-tier system would develop, with some local government pensioners retiring in their 50s while their counterparts in the private sector work into their 70s.

However, ministers' handling of the problem is blatantly divisive and unfair. It has struck a deal with health service workers, civil servants, teachers and firefighters but not their lower profile colleagues. Teaching assistants, dinner ladies, caretakers, care home workers and bin men are the unsung heroes of public service. Without their endeavours, our society would grind to a halt. They deserve the same respect accorded to their co-workers.

Of course there is one group of public sector workers who can bask in the knowledge that they will enjoy a fabulous guaranteed pension, courtesy of the taxpayer. They're called MPs.

Updated: 09:40 Thursday, March 16, 2006