Dennis the 'Bloody Peasant'
30th May 2012, 12:54
A majority of doctors have voted in favour of taking industrial action over changes to their pensions.
The British Medical Association balloted more than 104,000 medics across the UK on the government's plans which it claims are unfair.
Half responded, with 79% of GPs, 84% of hospital consultants and 92% of junior doctors voting in favour.
A 24-hour day of action will take place on 21 June when non-urgent care will be targeted.
It means elective operations such as knee and hip replacements will be cancelled.
GP practices will remain open, but routine appointments will not take place.
However, emergency care will not be affected, the BMA said.
Patients will still get tests for conditions such as cancer, while A&E units and maternity services will run as normal.
Doctors are among the best paid public sector employees - and as such they also have the most lucrative pensions.
The average hospital consultant retiring today will enjoy a pension of £48,000 a year and a lump sum of over £140,000.
Among public sector pensions being paid out, doctors account for two thirds of the top 1% of pay outs.
As a result, this government - and the Labour one that preceded it and reformed pensions in 2008 - has taken the judgement that it wants the best paid to subsidise the pensions of the lowest.
Contributions will rise the greatest for the highest earners. Those earning over £110,000 a year will end up contributing 14.5% of their salary.
Many may understand that approach, but doctors believe they are being unfairly targeted.
They point out that the top-paid civil servants will not be hit in the same way - and that perceived injustice has put the profession at loggerheads with the government.
It will be the first time since 1975 that doctors have taken industrial action.
(more at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-18254499)
The British Medical Association balloted more than 104,000 medics across the UK on the government's plans which it claims are unfair.
Half responded, with 79% of GPs, 84% of hospital consultants and 92% of junior doctors voting in favour.
A 24-hour day of action will take place on 21 June when non-urgent care will be targeted.
It means elective operations such as knee and hip replacements will be cancelled.
GP practices will remain open, but routine appointments will not take place.
However, emergency care will not be affected, the BMA said.
Patients will still get tests for conditions such as cancer, while A&E units and maternity services will run as normal.
Doctors are among the best paid public sector employees - and as such they also have the most lucrative pensions.
The average hospital consultant retiring today will enjoy a pension of £48,000 a year and a lump sum of over £140,000.
Among public sector pensions being paid out, doctors account for two thirds of the top 1% of pay outs.
As a result, this government - and the Labour one that preceded it and reformed pensions in 2008 - has taken the judgement that it wants the best paid to subsidise the pensions of the lowest.
Contributions will rise the greatest for the highest earners. Those earning over £110,000 a year will end up contributing 14.5% of their salary.
Many may understand that approach, but doctors believe they are being unfairly targeted.
They point out that the top-paid civil servants will not be hit in the same way - and that perceived injustice has put the profession at loggerheads with the government.
It will be the first time since 1975 that doctors have taken industrial action.
(more at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-18254499)