NHS pensions in Scotland

The changes were originally due to come into force from April this year but were delayed after RCN Scotland expressed its concern with the timetable for the changes and the lack of time available for a thorough consultation of RCN members.

Contribution rates will remain as they currently are, although earnings thresholds will be uprated in line with the annual Agenda for Change pay increases whenever an award is made.

Information about the tier bandings to be applied from 1 April 2022 is available on the SPPA website (circular dated 18 March 2022).

The Scottish government has also confirmed that the temporary suspension of the pension scheme abatement rules for NHS staff will remain until 31 March 2025. More information on the suspension is available on the SPPA website (circular dated 28 October 2022).

The Scottish government says that ‘issues with validating the necessary data have led to unavoidable delays’ and that it will be ‘engaging further with the Scotland Advisory Board, and in advance of any further consultation, in an effort to agree a new structure which must be in place by 1 April 2023 at the very latest’.

The RCN sits on the NHS Pension Scheme (Scotland) Advisory Board which provides advice to Scottish ministers on a broad range of policy matters relating to the pension scheme. However, the final decisions lie with ministers – the health trade unions are not able to negotiate on the NHS pension scheme.

Read the RCN's response to the consultation in February 2022 and the subsequent consultation this summer (submitted September 2022).

If you have questions about the consultation and RCN Scotland's response, please email us pensions.scotland@rcn.org.uk. Please note, this email address is only for consultation responses and should not be used for enquiries about pensions which should be directed to our advice team or by calling 0345 772 6100. RCN members are advised to seek independent financial advice about their own circumstances relating to the NHS pension.

Find out more about the Scottish Public Pensions Agency's recent consultation process.

  

If you missed our recent Q&A, watch this video where RCN National Officer Chris Musgrave gives a presentation on how the McCloud judgement on age discrimination will impact the NHS pension scheme, an update on the reintroduction of abatement rules and the end of the covid life assurance scheme. RCN Scotland Senior Officer Ros Shaw also provides an update on the proposed consultation by Scottish Government on changes to the NHS Scotland pension contribution rates.