The University and College Union, the world's largest further education union, and the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) have announced a 30 June national walkout in protest at the government's proposed changes to the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS).

According to ATL, under the changes the retirement age would jump from 66 to 68 and pension contributions from 6.4% to 9.8%, while retirement pay would drop by 15%. Private school teachers would be excluded from the scheme.

ATL president Andy Brown said: "The best youngsters will not want to become teachers or lecturers. Young teachers won't be able to afford to join or stay in the pension scheme; older teachers will retire early; we will lose good teachers, lecturers and heads."

The union said Wednesday there's still time for the government to compromise on pension reform and avert the strike.

Brown said: "We now await a response from the government to see if it is as committed to a first-class education system in the UK as we are. The solution is in the Treasury's hands."

This is the first national strike ATL has voted for in its 30-plus years.

"We do not want to strike," Brown said, "but unless we take a stand now the government will irreparably damage education in this country."

The date of the walkout, Brown added, was chosen to avoid external exams and college events and minimise disruption to students' education.

The National Union of Teachers, which represents primary and secondary school teachers, has also voted to join the strike.

Rachel Millard