BMA may ballot over pensions
Doctors’ leaders called yesterday for urgent talks with the government to head off the threat of a ballot for industrial action over controversial changes to the NHS pension scheme.
The British Medical Association (BMA) said it was seeking a fairer offer following a survey of 46,000 of its members last month showing overwhelming rejection of the reforms.
Almost two-thirds of doctors and medical students said they would be prepared to take industrial action if the offer was not improved. The BMA council will meet later this month to consider options for a ballot.
In a letter to Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander, the BMA said NHS pensions were in a “very different situation” from other public sector schemes, having been radically overhauled four years ago.
“It is in good financial health, and provides £2 billion to the Treasury every year,” it stated.
“The cost-sharing agreement reached at the time ensured any increase in contributions needed would be met by employees, not the taxpayer.”
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