BMA to make decision over pensions ballot We urge the Government to return to the table and work with us constructively to find a fairer solution. Official figures show that a typical doctor who has worked their whole career in the NHS will receive an index-linked pension of more than £48,000 a year when they retire at 60. In addition, they receive a tax-free lump sum of around £143,000 on retirement. Actuaries say such a pension scheme would cost more than £1.7 million in the private sector. Under the Coalition's proposals, doctors will have to work to 68 to earn the same pension, although anyone within 10 years of retirement will not see any change in their situation. The BMA argues that the NHS underwent major changes only four years ago, changing the retirement age for new entrants to 65 and resulting in a "steep contribution increases for doctors." Last month, a members' survey found eight in 10 doctors rejected the new proposals and two-thirds backed industrial action. However, only 20 per cent said they were willing to strike, with most backing other protests like engaging in work-to-rule and only treating emergencies. A spokesman for the doctors' union said it was "premature" to talk of what options might be considered.