Menu
11/01/2005
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)
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)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 March 2007
'Postcode lottery' remains in NHS dental care
There are "huge regional variations" in NHS dental care in England, consumer organisation Which? has warned in new research. The survey of 466 dentistry practices - which comes a year after the start of new NHS dentists' contract in England - found that just over a third (36%) are taking on any new NHS patients.
'Postcode lottery' remains in NHS dental care
There are "huge regional variations" in NHS dental care in England, consumer organisation Which? has warned in new research. The survey of 466 dentistry practices - which comes a year after the start of new NHS dentists' contract in England - found that just over a third (36%) are taking on any new NHS patients.
23 September 2004
NHS recruitment drive to focus on over 50s
A new nationwide drive to recruit NHS staff, which will focus for the first time on the over 50s, has been was launched today. NHS Job Shop Day comprises of 220 events taking place around the country on or around 23 September. Around 150 Jobcentres across England will also be holding special NHS events on 23 September as part of NHS Job Shop Day.
NHS recruitment drive to focus on over 50s
A new nationwide drive to recruit NHS staff, which will focus for the first time on the over 50s, has been was launched today. NHS Job Shop Day comprises of 220 events taking place around the country on or around 23 September. Around 150 Jobcentres across England will also be holding special NHS events on 23 September as part of NHS Job Shop Day.
13 January 2011
BMA Rejects Pay Cut
The British Medical Associations (BMA) has rejected a proposal to suspend pay increments for all NHS staff in England. NHS staff are already subject to a two-year pay freeze, but under proposals from NHS Employers, are being asked to agree a further cut and forego their incremental pay increases.
BMA Rejects Pay Cut
The British Medical Associations (BMA) has rejected a proposal to suspend pay increments for all NHS staff in England. NHS staff are already subject to a two-year pay freeze, but under proposals from NHS Employers, are being asked to agree a further cut and forego their incremental pay increases.
04 January 2005
Five further health trusts make foundation grade
Following approval by the independent regulatory body, five Trusts have been granted Foundation Trust status.
Five further health trusts make foundation grade
Following approval by the independent regulatory body, five Trusts have been granted Foundation Trust status.
13 October 2004
New NHS staff to face criminal record checks
All eligible new recruits into the NHS must undergo checks on their criminal record under a new measure to increase patient safety announced today. From early next year, Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks will become mandatory for every new recruit with access to patients as part of their normal duties.
New NHS staff to face criminal record checks
All eligible new recruits into the NHS must undergo checks on their criminal record under a new measure to increase patient safety announced today. From early next year, Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks will become mandatory for every new recruit with access to patients as part of their normal duties.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
