• The Department of Health and Social Care launches a consultation on a 50:50 option for NHS pensions.
• The option lets clinicians halve their pension contributions in exchange for halving the rate of pension growth.
• It comes as many senior NHS staff reduce their workload or decline additional work to slow down the rate at which their NHS pension grows each year.

The deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery said:

“We welcome the government’s efforts to solve the NHS pensions problem, however this consultation will need to come up with a fast response to what is an immediate and major problem for the NHS and the wider public sector.

This consultation will need to come up with a fast response to what is an immediate and major problem for the NHS

Saffron Cordery    

“It is already clear that the one proposal at the front and centre of this consultation does not go far enough to address this problem which is now having an impact on NHS performance and patient care. We need to see more options on the table – this is not just about clinicians, it affects very many senior leaders who are integral to the safe running of NHS trusts.

“The government itself now recognises that clinicians on which the service depends are reducing their workload to avoid significant tax bills. These vital staff members are voting with their feet and the effects are now felt across the country.

We need to see more options on the table – this is not just about clinicians, it affects very many senior leaders who are integral to the safe running of NHS trusts.

Saffron Cordery    

“Many trusts are telling us that they are expecting to delay significant numbers of surgery cases or are struggling with A&E performance because of these rota gaps.

“While trusts are taking whatever steps they can to manage this problem, we can’t afford to wait for a long consultation process. To gain the confidence of NHS staff we need to see a speedy and meaningful resolution.