Warning pension reform will spark doctors' exodus

Planned changes to NHS pensions could drive thousands of doctors to retire early and spark strike action, the British Medical Association (BMA) has warned.

The professional body warned the government against underestimating the animosity caused by planned changes to the NHS scheme as it prepared to poll members on the issue.

BMA Scotland chairman Dr Brian Keighley said there was likely to be an exodus of doctors retiring early and added the BMA had not ruled out a ballot for strike action over pension reforms.

He said: "[Doctors'] contracts are being devalued and undermined by NHS employers and now politicians are attacking the NHS pension scheme.

Keighley added the reforms might save money in the short term but could lead to the loss of doctors from the NHS as many could choose to retire early.

He said: "Next year will see us surveying our members on the proposals for reform of the NHS pension scheme, and we have not ruled out a ballot for industrial action."

Last summer BMA chairman Dr Hamish Meldrum vowed the union would take "every legitimate action" to defend doctors' pensions.