Members’ ballot planned as pension negotiations continue
BAOT/COT Council has given UNISON's negotiators the go-ahead to continue pension negotiations on BAOT’s behalf. UNISON are the in the final stages of negotiations on the government’s proposals for NHS pensions, with the heads of agreement to be completed within the next few weeks. A full ballot of UNISON’s membership will consult members on whether they wish to accept or reject the final package, advising members that if they reject they would need to take part in immediate and sustained industrial action.
Under the government’s proposals those less than ten years away from retirement would not face any change to their pension, and those earning less than £26,000 would be protected from an increase in contributions next year. Also included is a pledge to consult over the impact of these changes on staff in the emergency services - including paramedics - as well as a commitment to Fair Deal. This allows those transferred out of the public sector to retain their right to stay in the pension scheme. The proposals are for a career average pension scheme, with an improved accrual rate.
Naomi Hankinson, Chairman of Council, British Association of Occupational Therapists said 'Taking industrial action was a difficult step for many BAOT members, however the solidarity shown by Occupational Therapists and other public sector workers has moved us further towards a fairer deal on pensions. We are very grateful to our members for their continuing support.'
Local Government Pensions UNISON’s Local Government Service Group Executive also voted to continue negotiations. Negotiations over the Local Government Pensions Scheme (LGPS) in England and Wales will now enter an intense phase, running until April 2012, when members will be fully consulted on the final offer. In Northern Ireland, the NI Executive has indicated that it intends to make the same changes as in England and Wales. Meanwhile in Scotland, ongoing discussions are taking place with Scottish Ministers regarding the separate LGPS scheme in Scotland.
Next steps in Unison's pensions campaign
Unison will be developing a range of new materials to help BAOT members understand the latest pension proposals. This will include detailed guidance, case studies and updated ‘pensions calculators’ to show what the proposals would mean for individual members.
The latest pensions news is available from UNISON’s Pensions campaign site.
