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Changes to the NHS pension scheme came into force in Scotland as follows: 

• Contribution rate increases, which are to be introduced over two years, started on 1 October 2023 - to maintain the correct level of funding in the NHS pension scheme 
• The percentage of pension contributions scheme members will pay will be related to actual earnings rather then the full-time equivalent for the band and incremental point they are on - this is felt to be fairer approach and may result in reduced contribution for some part-time staff
• From October 2023 the NHS Pension scheme contributions tiers will increase annually in line with the average AFC pay increase - to ensure that the annual cost of living increase alone can lead to a scheme member moving up a tier of pension contributions.

The changes follow a final consultation by the Scottish Public Pensions Agency (SPPA) during July and August 2023.  

¹úÄÚ¾«Æ·ÒÁÈ˾þþþø¾ Scotland members participated in the consultation by attending a series of online session and submitting written feedback both to the ¹úÄÚ¾«Æ·ÒÁÈ˾þþþø¾ Scotland and directly to the SPPA.  

The ¹úÄÚ¾«Æ·ÒÁÈ˾þþþø¾ response to the consultation indicated the ¹úÄÚ¾«Æ·ÒÁÈ˾þþþø¾ members were not in favour of increased contributions highlining the ongoing cost of living crisis and the potential impact of increased contributions and risk to scheme membership with ¹úÄÚ¾«Æ·ÒÁÈ˾þþþø¾ members like many today making hard choices.

Read our comment on the changes. 

The ¹úÄÚ¾«Æ·ÒÁÈ˾þþþø¾ 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. 

¹úÄÚ¾«Æ·ÒÁÈ˾þþþø¾ members are advised to seek independent financial advice about their individual circumstances and pension.