NHS Scotland has announced new pension measures to help retain highly experienced staff.
It hopes to encourage experienced staff not to reduce their hours or retire early.
The interim scheme will be available to all staff who can evidence that they are likely to breach the Annual Allowance (AA) in the 2019/20 financial year and generate a tax charge as a result.
This new temporary policy will provide eligible staff with an alternative option to restricting their hours in order to reduce financial penalties and will ensure crucial services are maintained as demand on the health service continues to increase. It will run until the end of the current financial year, 31 March 2020.
Jeane Freeman said “Our hard-working staff should not face a financial penalty for working to provide vital services for patients, and I have repeatedly called for action from the UK Government on this as this matter is reserved.”
“Our staff are valued and they should be supported and able to work for our NHS and its patients for as long as they wish. This is just one of the steps we are taking to ensure we retain and build a sustainable medical workforce.”
“This will make a significant contribution to supporting frontline services and medical specialities who are working round the clock to deliver the highest possible quality of care.
“This new option will also help to support recruitment and retention of staff, encouraging health professionals to build their careers here in Scotland’s NHS.”
