More flexible pensions for top NHS doctors

The Department of Health and Social Care has launched proposals to make pensions more flexible for senior clinicians delivering frontline care.

This means that high-earning senior clinicians will be able to support more patients while saving into their NHS pension without facing significant tax charges, with the government detailing how it will consult on proposals to offer senior clinicians a new pensions option.

Senior doctors have said that pension tax charges are discouraging them from taking extra work to support patients and causing them to question whether to remain in the NHS Pension Scheme.

The change would mean clinicians can freely take on additional shifts to reduce waiting lists, fill rota gaps or take on further supervisory responsibilities. A proposal known as a 50:50 option would also allow clinicians to halve their pension contributions in exchange for halving the rate of pension growth.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Our NHS runs on the hard work and dedication of brilliant staff who deliver world-class care for patients every day. Each and every senior consultant, nurse or GP is crucial to the future of our NHS, yet we are losing too many of our most experienced people early because of frustrations over pensions.

“We have listened to the concerns of hardworking staff across the country and are determined to find a solution that better supports our senior clinicians so we can continue to attract and keep the best people. The reforms we are setting out today will give clinicians greater flexibility to manage their pensions, have more control over their future, and offer a deal that’s fair to doctors, taxpayers, and the patients they care for.”

The agreement is an important part of the NHS’s first ever People Plan.

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This story was first published in digitalhealth.net

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