Unite calls for renewed NHS pension talks

Trade union Unite has called on the government to renew talks over the future of pensions in the NHS.

At the organisation's policy conference in Brighton, a motion was passed that promoted the need for immediate discussion of the issue. Unite also accused the government of pushing the changes through without sufficient consultation.

In a letter to other unions representing staff in the NHS, Frank Keogh, the chair of Unite's health sector industrial committee warned of the dire consequences of accepting the alterations without taking action.

"Our belief is that if NHS unions capitulate to threats and bullying on pensions, this jeopardises our collective ability to defend our NHS against cuts and privatisation," he said.

This rallying call comes shortly after Unison appealed to the government to refocus its policies from austerity to growth-boosting measures earlier in the week.

Unite went on to pledge continued action on issues including Fair Deal access to the NHS pension scheme.