Wednesday, 2nd May 2012
Following the results of the RCM’s consultation with members over the Government’s final offer for the NHS Pension Scheme, the RCM Board has decided to reluctantly accept the final offer.
The results of the consultation were that 71.8% of the respondents accepted the offer and 28.2% rejected the offer on a turnout of 20%.
Jon Skewes, Director of Employment Relations said: “It is very clear that RCM members have made a pragmatic decision, albeit it with a heavy heart, to accept the offer following the Government’s threats to impose a worse scheme which could have resulted in losing the protection for those closest to their retirement age.”
“We are still disappointed that the Government would not compromise on age. The retirement age in the new scheme is equal to state pension age which means that midwives and other NHS employees could be working till they are nearly 70 and later if the state pension age goes up. We are concerned that midwives and other NHS employees will not be able to meet the demands of their profession and this could impact on the service. We will seek to work in partnership with the Government and NHS Employers on this important issue and on the full implementation of the new scheme.”
For more information contact the RCM Press Office on 020 7312 3456, pressofficer@rcm.org.uk.
Notes to editors
The Royal College of Midwives is the voice of midwifery. We are the UK’s only trade union and professional organisation led by midwives for midwives. The vast majority of the midwifery profession are our members. The RCM promotes midwifery, quality maternity services and professional standards. We support and represent our members individually and collectively in all four UK countries. We influence on behalf of our members and for the interests of the women and families for which they care. For more information visit the RCM website at www.rcm.org.uk.
