Leader: Doctors must swallow pensions medicine

IF ANY group is in a key position to understand the huge demographic challenge to pension provision in the modern world it is surely doctors.

The case for a substantial increase in pension contributions to cover the implacable arithmetic of rising longevity could not be more plain. But it is doctors working in Scotland’s hospitals and GP surgeries who are threatening to take industrial action over changes to their pensions.

No-one doubts that doctors are highly valued. But equally, there is not an actuarial consultant in the land who would not testify to the magnitude of the crisis we now face unless pension contributions rise, and those who are able should continue to work beyond the current stipulated retirement age.

Doctors are well rewarded for what they do and are thus in a better position than most to make the necessary adjustments to their pension savings while working. If such adjustment is not made, it can only deepen the crisis in the public finances and oblige the government of the day to cut more deeply into service provision to finance growing numbers of retirees.

The current situation is simply unsustainable unless there is a full understanding of the consequences of carrying on as before – something which Labour’s health spokeswomen, Jackie Baillie, should consider before making anti-SNP political points in supporting the complaints from the British Medical Association in Scotland.

The solution requires everyone to act responsibly if we are not to impose an intolerable burden on tomorrow’s health and welfare services. Doctors should show more flexibility rather than threatening “industrial action”.