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?

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)

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

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.

Thank you.