RCN response to the report on Independent Public Services Pension Commission

Published: 10 March 2011

Royal College of Nursing Chief Executive & General Secretary Dr Peter Carter said:

“There’s no doubt that these proposed changes are another hammer blow to the morale of dedicated nurses. NHS staff are not only facing a two year pay freeze and widespread cuts to jobs and services, but now they will pay more, work longer and yet receive far less than expected in their hard-earned pensions. We know the strength of feeling among members and will vigorously defend fair pensions for nurses and healthcare assistants at all times.

“It is our belief that the current NHS pension scheme is fit for purpose. There have already been fundamental changes to the scheme, which the RCN has supported, such as an increase in contribution where the highest earners pay most. There will be no additional burden on the general taxpayer and the NHS pension scheme is currently in positive balance, providing a surplus of around £2 billion to the Treasury. And, far from being a drain on the public purse, the average pension paid to a woman is less than £4,000 – there is nothing ‘gold plated’ about that figure.

“There is a risk under this proposal that there may be an exodus of hard-working staff before the normal pension age is increased to 65. These departures would have a significant effect on patient services and those NHS staff left behind to deliver patient care.

“We would urge the Government to consider carefully the implications of this report and work closely with the organisations such as the RCN to deliver fair pensions for public sector workers.”

Ends

Notes for Editors

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
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.