Union and pension?

[NickAngel]

Was after a bit of advice here please.
I was in Teachers' Pension scheme and a union when I was a teacher years ago. I have now got a job as a TA . Can I and should I join a teaching union or is there one more focuses on support staff? Will I be eligible to pay some money into pension scheme? You used to be able to make lump sum payments to top up pension but is a TA post going to make me eligible or do I need to be a teacher?

[kaitlinktm]

I think the ATL covers TAs - quite a few at my last school were in it. Don't know about the pensions but you could contact the TPS and ask:

0345 6066166 (Mon-Fri 8.30-6.00)

[notapizzaeater]

Can you ask the other ta at your school to see which Union they are in. ?

[toomuchicecream]

When I was a TA I joined Unison - SEBD school and I was told in no uncertain terms to get myself into a union asap because of the legal cover against allegations, and that was the one everyone else was in. So I agree with the advice to join the same union as everyone else.

I was in the Local Government pension scheme when I was a TA so I would imagine that's the pension you'll be in (unless free school, academy etc), but phoning the TPS to check if you can be in it
is your best bet.

[NickAngel]

Thank you.