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%.
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