The BMA in Scotland has written to the Scottish Government calling on Ministers to undertake a national consultation on the proposed changes to the NHS pension scheme.
The call follows the publication of a consultation on the changes in England and Wales.
Dr Brian Keighley, chairman of the BMA in Scotland, said: “Without a Scottish consultation, doctors and other NHS staff in Scotland will not have a voice in this important issue. It is imperative that the Scottish Government seeks the views of those affected by the proposed changes in order to contribute to this consultation process.”
Brian Keighley
The proposals contained in the consultation (in England and Wales) would result in significant increases in contribution rates for doctors, of up to 2.4% from April 2012. The Treasury ultimately intends to increase contributions by up to 6% by 2014/15.
Dr Keighley added: “Given the significance of these proposals, and that it is usual practice for the NHS Superannuation Scheme (Scotland) to adopt the same provisions as the England and Wales scheme, we are asking the government to undertake a full consultation on any proposed changes to the Scottish scheme.
“The Scottish Government has publicly expressed its concerns about changes to public sector pensions and shares many of our concerns. Whilst we appreciate that the Scottish Government is constrained in relation to public sector pensions, we would hope that a Scottish consultation together with an appropriate response from the Scottish Government, would help to influence the approach of the UK Government on this issue.”
Three years ago, the BMA alongside other health sector trade unions, agreed major changes to the NHS pension scheme. From April 2008 contributions increased, pension age increased by five years for new joiners, and a cost-sharing agreement was reached which meant that any future cost pressures on the scheme would be met by members.
More information is available at: http://www.bma.org.uk/press_centre/presspensions.jsp
