May 9 2012
Ministers must urgently rethink their damaging plans to make changes to the NHS Pension Scheme following the publication of a new Bill in the Queen’s Speech, the BMA warned today (Wednesday, 9 May 2012).
As part of the Queen’s Speech, the government announced its intention to introduce a Public Service Pensions Bill which is the government’s approach to bringing about major changes to public sector pension schemes, including the NHS Pension Scheme. These include raising the normal pension age for NHS staff. This comes on top of steep increases in contribution rates.
Dr Alan Robertson, Chair of the BMA’s Pension Committee, said: “The BMA is gravely concerned that ministers are still intent on pushing ahead with their unnecessary and unfair changes to the NHS pension scheme.
“Doctors and other NHS staff agreed substantial changes to their pension scheme in 2008 to make it sustainable for the future. This included an acceptance of increases in contributions and a rise in the normal pension age. Staff also agreed to take on responsibility for further increases needed to cover cost increases, such as those created by people living longer.
“The government now wants to scrap this agreement, even though the scheme currently delivers £2 billion to the Treasury each year.
“There is real anger amongst hard working doctors about the way they have been treated. The government must think again and re-open negotiations with the BMA so we can find a fair solution.”
The BMA will be balloting eligible members on industrial action over the changes to the NHS Pension Scheme between 14 and 29 May 2012. More information is available: http://www.bma.org.uk/employmentandcontracts/pensions/nhs_pensions_reform/index.jsp
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