The NHS pension scheme is value for money and should be kept, says the BMA in its response to the government’s review of public sector pensions.
The BMA’s response published today challenges what it calls some of the misconceptions about pensions for public sector workers.
In its submission to the independent commission into public sector pensions, the BMA says the NHS scheme is financed by employees and employers rather than taxpayers, and in recent years has provided a surplus to the Treasury.
It also draws attention to the fact that the scheme for NHS staff in England and Wales has already been subject to a recent major review.
In 2008 the normal pension age for new staff increased from 60 to 65, and employers’ contributions were capped, while contributions from doctors increased by up to 2.5%. GP members of the scheme also pay employer contributions of 14%.
Dr Andrew Dearden, chairman of the BMA’s pensions committee, said: “Pensions for NHS staff are by no means a drain on the taxpayer – they represent a fair deal for staff and value for money for the public.
“We understand the need to keep the NHS scheme fair and sustainable in the long term, which is why we accepted the major changes recommended by the review in 2008.
“NHS pensions play a vital part in recruiting and retaining a high quality workforce in future and we hope they will continue to do so in future.”
The BMA’s response says: “Much is made in the media of the disparity between public and private sector pensions but it would be incorrect to assume that the weight of public opinion is in favour of a reduction to public sector pension benefits.”
A recent opinion poll by the National Association of Pension Funds found that 90% of the public thought all workers should have access to good workplace pensions, regardless of whether they work in the public or private sector.
The former work and pensions secretary John Hutton is leading the government’s review of pubic sector pensions.