THE GREAT BRITISH PENSION SCANDAL.

The maths are simple. Those of us in the private wealth-generating sector will have to work longer and retire later, with the most meagre pension provision in order that those in the public-sector can continue to retire early and enjoy gilt-edged pensions. In essence there is a chasm between that which State workers can anticipate in their old age and that which the rest of us can. Now comes the welcome news that the Conservatives may do something about this iniquity.

"Public sector workers currently enjoy bigger pensions than those in the private sector, where most final salary schemes have been closed to new entrants because they are too expensive. Instead, new workers join less generous money purchase (also known as defined contribution) schemes that are linked to stock market performance.

According to the Pensions Policy Institute, the cost of public pensions will rise by 40 per cent over the next 20 years. It says the average public sector pension is worth 21 per cent of salary, while a typical money purchase scheme in the private sector is worth only about 7 per cent.

Mr Cameron attacked this "apartheid" when answering questions from businessmen in Manchester this week. He accused the Government of being "remarkably feeble" on the issue. But although he mentioned state pensions, he did not go into his party's plans – and yesterday the Tories sought to play down his remarks, aware they might alienate public sector employees. A Tory spokesman said everyone acknowledged pensions are a "pressing issue".

Time to take the axe to the fatcats in the public sector who are feeding off those in the private sector. The State worker ants have had it too good for too long and the prospect of change here is most welcome - time they paid their own way.