In response to Sarah Reeds' plea for support for the Unison pension strike (Argus March 29th), I would like to ask her and members of Unison and other unions involved if they have or are prepared to do anything to help the thousands of self-employed people such as myself who have seen their prospective pensions dwindle over the years.

We strive to make a decent living with the intention of retiring at 65, (not 60 or even earlier), on a pension that is in no way earnings-related and all paid for by ourselves, not subsidised by the taxpayer.

We find ourselves with little choice - either carry on working longer or struggle through retirement.

Do Ms Reed and her fellow union members think there is a bottomless bucket of money somewhere for them, paid for by the likes of council tax payers and pensioners on state pension only?

No way will they get my support until they help me reduce my tax bill and get my pension back up to its original value.

-DA Ifould, Worthing