The government is expected to this week formally unveil proposals to force GPs to work until they are 65 when its long-awaited report on public sector pensions is published, according to reports.
It is thought that Lord Hutton will recommend a series of changes designed to streamline lucrative public sector pensions as the government tries to save millions from the profession’s retirement pot.
The Times has reported that Lord Hutton will recommend that public sector staff – including GPs on NHS pensions, the British Medical Association (BMA) confirmed – work until 65 rather than retire at 60. Under the proposals, GPs would retain any benefits accrued under the scheme until 2014, when the changes are thought to take effect.
The changes are not believed to be retrospective. But, from 2014 onwards, any future pensions rights could not be claimed until GPs are 65.
Copyright © Press Association 2011
Independent Public Service pensions Commission
Your comments (terms and conditions apply):
“Yes, as should nurses and midwives, who can at the moment still retire at 55, this is very unfair when compared to other NHS staff” – Rosemary Hyde, Cheshire
“Yes, but with an enforceable mandate that they attend consistent updated medical training on a regular basis” – Name and address withheld
