As well as the attacks on the LGPS, the NHS scheme too faces a test of its provisions. A review into the benefits and regulations of the scheme has been begun by the Scottish Pensions Review Group - a joint union/management group who will report to the Scottish Public Pensions Agency.

Booklets have gone to all NHS staff letting them know about the review and how to input their views. UNISON is encouraging members to respond.

Eddie Egan, Chair of the Scottish Health Service group and member of the working group says. "There are a great many concerning proposals in the review.

"A similar attempt to increase our pension age as that in local government, but also the threat of taking away our final salary scheme and replacing it with a career average scheme."

UNISON has sent out a bulletin to branches for all members to urge them to write to their MSP, and to use the SPPA's response form to get views back to the government and employers.

Some key responses are included in the bulletin that is also available on the UNISONScotland Website www.unison-scotland.org.uk/pensions/healthleaflet.pdf

Eddie says, "UNISON has fought for years to protect NHS staff from the high stress levels of their job. Mental Health Officers currently can retire at 55 - and there is good reason for that.

"To increase their working life by ten years is unacceptable. " As are attempts to cut our pensions benefits by adopting a 'Career Average' scheme. We need a big response from UNISON members telling them this."

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