11.01.12
NHS pensions negotiation continues
Health unions and organisations have responded to the latest pensions offer from the Government, with many set to ballot their members for endorsement or rejection of the proposed changes.
Unison and the GMB are set to continue pension negotiations, but warn that they are still looking for improvements in the Government’s offer.
Dave Prentis, the general secretary of Unison, said: “Our health members gave their support to talks on the NHS scheme entering a final phase, due to end in late January. When we have a final offer, we will take it back to members in a full ballot.”
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) announced that its members would also be balloted on whether to accept or reject the Government’s latest proposals.
“We have recognised that there will be no further improvement in the Government’ proposals and this is the most that can be achieved through negotiation,” said Kath McCourt, who chairs the RCN Council.
“Council is extremely aware of the depth of feeling from across theUKon this issue and that is why we are now asking members for their views.”
Dean Royles, director of the NHS Employers organisation, responded: “I recognise this has been a difficult decision for these unions but continuing with talks on the basis of the heads of agreement is a mature response to something their members feel deeply about. Continuing discussion is positive news for patients and staff as it lifts, at least in the short term, the prospect of ongoing industrial action.
“We have a good record of progressive industrial relations in the NHS and discussions can now continue to try to agree final details of the scheme.
“We hope that other unions also decide to continue to try and finalise an agreement, so that this long and often difficult discussion can conclude and NHS staff and employers have the benefit of a valued and sustainable NHS pension scheme.”
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