PENSION CONTRIBUTION RISES WILL STILL HIT HARD
UNISON, the UK’s largest union, today hit back at new pensions’ proposals
that will hit the pockets of thousands of nurses, paramedics, occupational
therapists and other key NHS staff hard. The union criticised the timing of
the announcement as unhelpful when pensions negotiations are still ongoing.
Christina McAnea, UNISON Head of Health, said:
“The proposed increase in pension contributions will still hit more than
half of all NHS staff who are already struggling to cope with the pay freeze
and rising inflation.
“The one year delay before making the lower paid contribute more, is cold
comfort. Having an increase looming large when the cost of everyday
essentials like food and heating is rising so fast is a nightmare for
cash-strapped families.
“With pay frozen until 2013 and limited to 1% a year until 2015, we estimate
that the value of nurses, paramedics and other NHS workers’ pay will have
plummeted 16% by the time the cap ends.”
The union remains committed to continue negotiations to achieve a fair
pension deal, but is critical of the increasingly tight deadlines imposed by
Government.
Christina McAnea went on to say:
“I am beginning to question if Government Ministers are serious about
reaching a deal. We are in the middle of tricky negotiations where the
goalposts keep moving and where the timetable looks increasingly
unrealistic. We will not walk away from talks but we need assurances that
the desire for a deal is not one sided.”
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