NHS Pensions Move Not Enough Says GMB
Thursday 8th December 2011
GMB SAYS THAT MOVEMENT IN NHS PENSIONS
IS NOT ENOUGH TO SETTLE PENSIONS DISPUTE
The Government’s end game will see NHS
staff paying on average nearly 10% of pay towards their pension
scheme which compares with average contributions of 5.3% in private
sector defined benefit schemes says GMB
GMB, the union for NHS workers, responded to
today’s announcement by Department of Health on the changes to the
NHS pension contribution increases planned for April 2012.
Rehana Azam GMB National Officer for NHS said:
“This movement in NHS pensions is not enough to settle the
pensions dispute. This move merely represents a moving round of the
furniture and does not represent any change in Government policy to
unfairly tax public sector workers who are saving for their
retirement. In making this change there will be winners and
losers. Department of Health are trying to muddle through
what is effectively a diktat from Treasury to make a short term
gain from pension savers.
Short termism in pensions policy is
doomed to failure as GMB has repeatedly warned. The
Government’s end game will see NHS staff paying on average nearly
10% of pay towards their pension scheme. This compares with
average contributions of 5.3% in private sector defined benefit
schemes.
GMB repeats its call to Government to
approach discussions in good faith on all aspects of pension reform
with the same open minded approach as is being adopted by the Trade
Unions. GMB would remind Government that their duty, as an
employer, is to consult and inform their employees and their
representatives of fundamental changes to their terms and
conditions, rather than making announcements in the
media.”
End
Contact: Rehana Azam, GMB National Officer on
07841 181 656 or Phil McEvoy, GMB on 0208 947 3131. GMB Press
Office Steve Pryle on 07921 289880