NEWS: RCN to consult members on Government’s pensions offer

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.

Professor Kath McCourt, Chair of RCN Council, said that Council members had recognised there will be no further improvement in the Government’s proposals but were aware of the depth of feeling on this issue. “It is critical that nurses and health care assistants respond to our questions, have their say and influence what happens next,” she said.

Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, said: “We have repeatedly pointed out that nurses are simply asking for a fair deal for the frontline, as agreed in 2008. NHS pensions have already been reformed and nurses have accepted the need to pay more for their income in retirement. It remains a deep source of concern that nurses and health care assistants are still being asked to pay more, work longer and receive less.”

RCN members will receive full and detailed information in the coming days and weeks.