Eugene Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Audit Commission said: 'I am saddened that staff in our Audit Practice have decided to press ahead with industrial action short of strike action. The Commission's management team and Board understand their disappointment and will work with staff, and Prospect, their representatives, to consider other issues affecting staff, but without revisiting the Board's decision on pension provision.'
'The process to transfer the Commission's in-house audit work to the private sector is well underway. Our staff will transfer to new employers with their contractual terms and conditions of employment protected under the TUPE Regulations. Their new employers will also have to provide a contributory pension scheme. All accrued pension rights up to the time of the transfer will also be fully protected.'