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BMA launches survey of members on final pensions offer  (added 6/1/12)

The BMA is today launching a major survey of doctors and medical students on the government’s final offer in negotiations on the future of the NHS pension scheme.

The survey is being posted out to around 130,000 BMA members across the UK. It seeks their views on whether the offer is acceptable and, if not, what action they would be prepared to take. A formal ballot on industrial action could follow.

Although there have been improvements on the original offer through negotiations, all doctors still stand to be hit hard. The amount deducted from their pay for their pensions will go up this April, with further rises in 2013 and 2014. Those at the start of their careers face the prospect of paying over £200,000 in additional lifetime contributions. The Normal Pension Age would increase, with many having to work to the age of 68 before being able to draw a full pension. And the current final salary scheme would be replaced with a new career average scheme, which would leave most doctors with worse overall benefits.

Dr Hamish Meldrum, Chairman of Council at the BMA, said: “We want doctors and medical students to be fully aware of what’s coming their way, and to have their say on what happens. Everyone will be affected, and it’s up to the whole medical profession to influence what we do next. Either way, the implications are huge. We face either major, damaging changes to our pensions, or the first ballot of doctors on industrial action since the seventies.

“The BMA, along with the other unions, has not accepted the offer. That, quite rightly, is for our members to help decide. Throughout intensive negotiations, we repeatedly pointed out that the NHS pension was radically overhauled only three years ago, and is actually delivering a positive cashflow to the Treasury.”

The survey is being accompanied by an extensive programme of communications to help doctors and medical students understand the changes. A series of roadshows is under way and a range of resources, including a video presentation and a set of FAQs on the offer, are available on the BMA website.

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