NHS pension changes

NHS pension changes

The UK Government is pushing ahead with major changes to public sector pensions.

For NHS staff they mean an increase to the Normal Pension Age, higher contributions and an end to the current final salary scheme.

ArrowRead our briefing on how the Government is changing pensions and what it means for you

We are updating our guidance to reflect the major changes made to NHS pensions this year. In the meantime, you can check our current guidance, use the pensions calculator or sign up for a pensions seminar.

ArrowGet help with your pension

 

What the BMA is doing

Bullet pointPublic Service Pensions Act

The Public Service Pensions Bill completed all its parliamentary stages on 24 April 2013.

The new Act establishes a framework enabling the UK Government to introduce changes to public service pensions schemes, including the NHS Pension Scheme.

During the legislative stages of the Act, the BMA successfully lobbied for inclusion of new provisions to help limit Government powers to make changes to public service pensions in the future and retrospectively.

 

Bullet pointCalling for fair contributions

We used the recent consultation on changes to the scheme in England and Wales to call for a fairer approach to contributions. Thanks to the 3,155 BMA members who submitted individual responses. Despite this fantastic response, the Government failed to acknowledge our arguments about the unfairness of steep contributions tiering. Contributions therefore increased again for many doctors on 1 April 2013.

However, the Health Secretary has indicated that there is potential for a fairer contribution structure post-2015, when the new career average revalued earnings (CARE) scheme is due to be in place.

ArrowRead the BMA's submission to the consultation

ArrowRead the Government's response to the consultation

ArrowView contribution rates from 1 April 2013

ArrowRead the Health Secretary's letter on contributions post-2015

 

Bullet pointTaking part in talks

We have met other unions to discuss the contributions structure in the NHS scheme after 2015. We are also due to meet with NHS Employers ahead of a meeting with the Department of Health on the same issue.

 

Bullet pointTaking part in the Working Longer Review

The Department of Health, NHS Employers and health unions are reviewing the impact of working longer on NHS staff. We are playing an active part.

ArrowFind out about the review

Pension proposals

The UK Government wants to make major changes to public service pension schemes. However, these changes are being pushed through on a large scale and at a high speed. The Government's Public Service Pensions Bill is currently progressing through Parliament.

If passed in its current form it would:

Bullet pointLink the normal NHS pension age to the state pension age, which is rising to 68

Bullet pointHelp embed huge disparities across and within public sector schemes with the move to career average revalued earnings schemes (CARE) for all, without considering the impact on contributions

Bullet pointGive the UK Government sweeping powers to alter public sector pension arrangements - possibly retrospectively - in the future, under so-called 'Henry VIII' clauses contained in the Bill

 

Pensions: the UK nations

Three NHS pension schemes operate in the UK.

Pension changes are being driven by the UK Government (responsible for England and Wales) but there are some devolved powers in Scotland and Northern Ireland on areas such as contributions.

We are pushing the devolved administrations hard for fairer proposals on those limited areas for which they are responsible.