RCN to consult members on Government’s pensions offer

Published: 10 January 2012

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Council met today (10 January) to discuss the Government’s ‘final’ proposals on the NHS pension scheme and announced that all RCN members will now have the opportunity to vote on whether to accept or reject the proposals.

Professor Kath McCourt, Chair of RCN Council. said:

“We have recognised that there will be no further improvement in the Government’s proposals and this is the most that can be achieved through negotiation. Council is extremely aware of the depth of feeling from across the UK on this issue and that is why we are now asking members for their views. It is critical that nurses and healthcare assistants respond to our questions, have their say and influence what happens next. Members will receive full and detailed information in the coming days and weeks.”
 
Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, added:

“RCN Council now believes it is for our members to decide the next steps in the process. We have repeatedly pointed out that nurses are simply asking for a fair deal for the frontline, as agreed in 2008.  NHS pensions have already been reformed and nurses have accepted the need to pay more for their income in retirement. It remains a deep source of concern that nurses and healthcare assistants are still being asked to pay more, work longer and receive less.”

Ends

Notes for Editors

1. For further information, please contact the RCN Media Office on 020 7647 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