[OLD BOY]

I think this says a lot more about the cost of providing a pension you can live on. This problem is not just an NHS problem and it's not really related to austerity. Public service pensions have always been costly but they do provide excellent benefits. The fact that these benefits require such input from salary every month is why so many people are struggling, or opt out of the scheme.

Private sector workers contribute less, but also get less benefits. I think the whole pensions arrangements for people in work needs a massive overhaul. It's not beyond the wit of man (or woman) to figure out some practical ways of alleviating the burden on employees that doesn't require an ever increasing retirement age.
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For example, why do we continue to pay out State pensions to those who are benefiting from good pension scheme payouts? Why can't we have different contribution rates to allow for less attractive but worthwhile pension payouts in retirement?

We can blame austerity for everything if that's your agenda, but with many big issues of the day, it is the systemic problems that are creating these situations. Politicians need to grasp the nettle, be prepared to face down protests from groups that would lose out but could afford to do so and make things better for everyone who is currently struggling.

The raid on pensions by Gordon Brown did not help the situation, frankly. A Labour Chancellor should have known better.