The RCP has produced a briefing for MPs ahead of Dr Dan Poulter MP’s adjournment debate on the Finance Act 2004 and NHS Pension and Staffing scheduled for 13 July in the House of Commons.
As a membership body, the RCP does not often comment on or discuss terms and conditions regarding pensions which are within the remit of unions. But we know from surveys and communication with RCP members that consultants are reducing the amount of direct patient care they are providing because of the problems associated with the annual allowance. Some consultants are choosing to retire earlier as a result.
That is why the RCP believes there must be a long-term solution to annual allowance and pension taxation for consultant doctors. The briefing includes recommendations for a long-term solution to annual allowance and statistics from the 2020 RCP census.
Workforce is the biggest limiting factor for the government’s ambitions on health and care and sustainably delivering care in the long-term. Adequate pension provisions are a significant factor in retaining experienced doctors for as long as possible into their careers.
With waiting lists currently at 6.5 million, we are urging the government to reconsider its approach to NHS pensions and implement a long-term solution to support staff who are reaching retirement age.
