RCN comment on pensions meeting

Published: 14 October 2011

Commenting on Wednesday’s meeting with the Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley, Royal College of Nursing Executive Director of Nursing and Service Delivery, Janet Davies, said:

“The RCN has spelt out to the Secretary of State the anger that nurses up and down the country are feeling at the proposed pension changes. We made it very clear that their pensions have already been reformed and are far from generous, and that targeting them now is both unjust and unnecessary.

“We will continue to engage in dialogue with the Government but are disappointed by their inflexible approach so far and as previously stated, a ballot on industrial action is inevitable unless negotiations deliver a fair deal for the frontline. RCN members are also preparing to support colleagues on the 30 November day of action  by joining protests, demonstrations, joint events and rallies.”

Ends

Notes for Editors

1. For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit  http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media
2. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations