NHS pension proposals anger trade union

The NHS employers group has announced controversial new pensions proposals, incurring the wrath of health service union Unison.

The new proposals include increasing the retirement age from 60 to 65. The new plans would affect all existing NHS employers who have not turned 60 by 2013; all other existing employees, as well new employees joining the NHS from 2006, will be required to work until they are 65.

Unison General Secretary Dave Prentis has heavily criticised the proposals, suggesting that they are from "cloud cuckoo land".

Mr Prentis said: "73% of paramedics are forced to retire through ill-health before they reach the age of 60, let alone carry on until they are 65. Forcing staff to work longer will simply raise the level of ill-health retirements and end up costing the NHS more."

The NHS employers group has stated that they believed the proposals could benefit workers. They are preparing to begin consultations with staff and unions about the new plans.

Mr Prentis revealed that he has sent a letter to all Labour MPs to warn them that the "widespread anger and resentment" caused by the proposed pension changes would harm Labour in the run-up to the general election, expected to take place in May.

Unison also confirmed through their website that they were already consulting local government members about possible strike action.

Mr Prentis said that just as the NHS was introducing better training and career opportunities to help staff move up through the ranks, it was taking away "a very good incentive to take on additional responsibilities and try to improve career chances."

(KmcA)