§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received about the number of consultants wishing to retire before August; and if he will make a statement. [152818]
§ Mr. HuttonThe NHS Pension Agency has not received any representations regarding the number of consultants who wish to retire before August.
The Department has published guidance, Reviewing your retirement options: 'Consultants and senior hospital doctors', which offers doctors approaching retirement the option to reduce the pace and commitment of work. The flexible careers scheme which is supported by central funding enables doctors, approaching retirement or who have already retired, to continue working flexibly and at the same time either supplement or enhance their pension entitlements.