URGENT: Update on NHS pensions

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.

We have come to a point where we, together with the other NHS trade unions, feel that the current offer is the best that will be achieved through negotiations. The Government has now outlined its final proposals, with a number of changes to the original NHS reference scheme.

Some of the key points in the proposals are that from 2015:
- pension to build up on a career average basis at an accrual rate provisionally of 1/54th
- normal pension age to equal state pension age for service from 2015
- retention of the NHS pension scheme for staff compulsorily transferred out of the NHS.

There will be significant protections for many NHS staff. Right now, we can tell you that those reaching their normal pension age in the 10 years from April 2012 would receive full protection – effectively they will remain with their present arrangements. Anyone earning less than £26,557 in 2012/13 will see no rise in their pension contributions next year.

The Government is clear that this is their final position, so it is now up to the trade unions to take the proposals to their executives and membership.

We’ve received a huge amount of feedback from you already. No decision will be taken lightly; we know that opinion is hugely varied on next steps and that the depth of feeling on the issue is immense.

The next step is for RCN Council to meet on 10th January to discuss the plans and how best to engage with you, our members.

Thank you.