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The Royal College of Nursing is today (30 January) sending out voting papers asking members whether they want to accept or reject the Government’s NHS pension proposals. All RCN members, apart from those already retired, are urged to use their vote, ahead of the deadline of 4pm on 27 February.

Writing in the Guardian today, Dr Peter Carter announced that the RCN has now moved to oppose the Health and Social Care bill because: “our concerns have not been listened to and the genuine anxieties we have on behalf of patients in England have been, to a large extent, ignored.”

The RCN today (19 January) moved to oppose the Health and Social Care Bill in England, arguing that serious concerns expressed by members have not been addressed during the parliamentary process, listening exercise or political engagement. The RCN, which had not previously opposed the bill as a whole, has taken the decision at this point arguing that the proposals will not deliver on the principles originally set out, and that recent announcements, such as the rise in the cap on private patients being treated in NHS hospitals, make the bill in its entirety a serious threat to the NHS.

Today the RCN announced the timetable for the members’ vote in which they will decide whether they wish to accept or reject the Government’s ‘final’ pensions proposals. All RCN members, apart from those who are currently retired, will receive voting papers in the week beginning January 30 2012 with the closing date for returns being 4pm on 27 February 2012.

All RCN members will have the opportunity to vote on whether to accept or reject the Government’s "final" proposals for the NHS pension scheme. The announcement was made today following a meeting of RCN Council.

The Government has announced its ‘final position’ on new NHS pension arrangements from 2015. Read our latest briefing for more information.

Significant steps have now been made in the negotiations between the Government and unions on public sector pensions. The RCN has been at the heart of these negotiations; standing up for members, representing your views and communicating these with the Government.

When we look back on 2011, we'll remember a year in which nursing faced some monumental challenges; cuts to the frontline, attacks on your pension and controversial reforms to the NHS. However, despite the difficulties, I firmly believe that at this time of year you have the right to celebrate your achievements and remember what incredible work you do each and every day.

There’s not really a day goes by at the moment when the issue of pensions, be it public sector or state pensions, isn’t in the press.

RCN members up and down the country will be supporting today's Day of Action in protest against planned changes to public sector pensions. Members will be showing their support for fair pensions by attending marches, demonstrations and protests during their breaks and outside work hours. RCN Chief Executive Dr Peter Carter will be visiting several events. If current pensions negotiations fail by the end of December, the RCN's governing Council will meet in January to authorise a ballot on industrial action.