Survey reveals nurses and midwives would take action over pensions

Industrial action in the NHS moved a step closer today, with a survey of

more than 2,000 UNISON nurses and midwives showing that 73% would take

industrial action to protect their pensions.

Despite a recent overhaul and the fact that half the women in the NHS retire

on a pension of less than £3,500 a year, the pension scheme is again under

attack in the Hutton Review. The review recommendations included increasing

the retirement age and member contributions, as well as moving to a career

average, instead of a final salary scheme.

Pensions are high on the agenda of a two-day seminar for UNISON nurses and

midwives starting in York today (11 May).

Christina McAnea, UNISON Head of Health, said:

ÒIt is not often that nurses and midwives even talk about industrial action,

let alone say that they are prepared to take it. Pensions are a hot issue

in the NHS at the moment and feelings are running high about the proposed

changes. This survey shows that opposition is building.

ÒThe current scheme has only recently been updated, it is fair and

affordable and nurses are prepared to fight for it. Asking workers to pay

more into their pensions for less benefits, especially at a time when they

are being hit by a pay freeze and inflation is a real kick in the teeth.

ÒThe Government would do well to take note of this survey. Public sector

workers are sick and tired about the myths of gold plated pensions. These

nurses and midwives pay into the scheme their whole working lives and are

entitled to some respect and dignity when they retire. A decent pension is

surely not too much to ask after a lifetime of caring for others.Ó

The survey showed that 86% believed the Hutton Review proposals would hit

their standard of living now, and more than half said it would affect their

ability to stay in their job.

Key Facts about the NHS Pension Scheme:

When the NHS scheme was renegotiated, the pension promise of a retirement

age of 60 for current members was retained. New members have a retirement

age of 65.

The NHS pension scheme was renegotiated in 2006 to make it sustainable and

affordable. It is cash rich Ð last year, the NHS scheme received £2billion

more in contributions than it paid out and this money went straight to the

Treasury.

Despite the fact that it does not have a fund, it is still valued on the

basis of cost providing the benefits in the future, and employee/employer

contributions are calculated accordingly.

Under cost share the employer contribution is limited to a maximum of 14% so

there are no runaway costs. Over the last 10 years in England & Wales

employees have contributed more than £16 billion to the NHS pension scheme.

Members of pay As you Go Scheme like the NHSPS far from being a burden on

the Tax payer have actually kept taxes down as Successive Governments have

spent the money they received in contributions on other things rather than

putting it in a fund.

Pensioners are already being hit with the move from RPI to CPI to calculate

annual inflation increases – this will reduce their value by 15%.

Ends