I was interested to read the comments of Bryan Compton and Keith Mitchell (Oxford Mail, May 8 and 14) on inflation-linked, final salary-based pensions for public sector workers.

In my view, all workers should be entitled to such generous retirement pay.

However, these schemes are fast disappearing, because no business or institution can afford them.

All of us are contributing, whether we know it or not, to the councils' fully-funded pensions schemes.

We have taken the brunt of the funding shortfall. As far as I know, employees' contributions have not been raised. Why have employees who will benefit not been asked to contribute?

Our financial help, in the form of income tax and council tax, is being taken for granted.

Like Bryan Compton, I believe we should not have to underwrite the rising cost of a few privileged workers' pensions while others cannot afford to join a retirement scheme and retired workers are struggling.

Does it make any sense? How long are we going to let this happen?

Let us all have a sufficient state retirement pension for starters. We have seen strike action in Europe on this subject. Watch this space.

ANNICK MERCIER

Southfield Park

Oxford