Radiographers and other healthcare professionals will be asked to decide whether they wish to switch from the current NHS pension arrangements, where staff retire at 60, to the new arrangements with a retirement age of 65.
The NHS Pension Choice exercise begins this month and is expected to run until March 2012.
Eligible members need to decide whether to remain in the 1995 section or transfer and move all their past and future benefits to the 2008 section. As well as retirement age, key differences include the way in which a pension builds up and flexibility in drawing benefits.
SoR's pensions lead, Paul Bromley said: "The NHS Pensions Choice exercise is of vital importance to members of the 1995 section as it is their only opportunity to transfer into the 2008 section.
"Scheme members will have a four month period in which to exercise their choice so it is crucial that they access the wealth of information available. We want all our members to make the best choice for them, given their particular circumstances."
In order to make an informed decision, members will each receive a choice pack which includes an explanatory booklet, a choice statement (showing a comparison of benefits in the 1995 and 2008 Section) and a DVD.
Choice packs will be delivered in a number of phases – see the Choice timetable for more information. A decision cannot be made until the Choice pack has been received.
View information for employers, members and trade union representations.
