RCN will “vigorously oppose” pensions bill

Published: 13 September 2012

The Royal College of Nursing has said it remains committed to “vigorously opposing” any plans to force nursing staff to work until they are 68.

It follows the publication of the Public Services Pensions Bill, which will put pension reforms into legislation. Controversial aspects of the reforms include moving from final salary pensions to career average pensions, and linking the NHS pension retirement age to the state pension age.

Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, said: “We have always made it clear that the proposed changes to public sector pensions are of major concern to nurses and health care assistants. In particular, the number one worry has been the prospect of working in a physically demanding job until the age of 68.”

He added that asking nursing staff to working until they are almost 70 is a “deeply unpalatable prospect”.

Dr Carter said: “Nursing is demanding in many ways. From working night shifts to being exposed to infections and moving patients, there is a huge amount of pressure – both physical and psychological - placed on today’s nurses.”