Pension contribution rises will still hit hard 08/12/2011

UNISON, the UK's largest union, today hit back at new pensions' proposals that will hit the pockets of thousands of nurses, paramedics, occupational therapists and other key NHS staff hard. The union criticised the timing of the announcement as unhelpful when pensions negotiations are still ongoing.

Christina McAnea, UNISON Head of Health, said:

"The proposed increase in pension contributions will still hit more than half of all NHS staff who are already struggling to cope with the pay freeze and rising inflation.

"The one year delay before making the lower paid contribute more, is cold comfort. Having an increase looming large when the cost of everyday essentials like food and heating is rising so fast is a nightmare for cash-strapped families.

"With pay frozen until 2013 and limited to 1% a year until 2015, we estimate that the value of nurses, paramedics and other NHS workers' pay will have plummeted 16% by the time the cap ends."

The union remains committed to continue negotiations to achieve a fair pension deal, but is critical of the increasingly tight deadlines imposed by Government.

Christina McAnea went on to say:

"I am beginning to question if Government Ministers are serious about reaching a deal. We are in the middle of tricky negotiations where the goalposts keep moving and where the timetable looks increasingly unrealistic. We will not walk away from talks but we need assurances that the desire for a deal is not one sided."