Jonathan Halberda, Specialist Financial Adviser at Wesleyan Financial Services, comments on the number of NHS staff that have applied for 'partial retirement'.

A rule change giving longstanding NHS staff the option of ‘partial retirement’ in an effort to boost retention has seen more than 3,200 medical professionals apply in its first three months, government data reveals.

Jonathan Halberda, Specialist Financial Adviser at Wesleyan Financial Services, says:

This is a positive response to a policy designed to solve a specific problem - keep medical talent within the public sector.  

This data does not mean ‘mission accomplished’. But it does show the extent of demand there is for this kind of flexibility.

Like many people these days, fewer and fewer medical professionals view retirement as a ‘cliff-edge’. Before these changes were announced, many of the most experienced medical professionals faced a stark choice– stay or go.

The rule change gives them a third option, and will no doubt help some stay in jobs that they love. However, it is complex area and partial retirement won’t be the answer for all NHS staff.

Anyone considering this should think about how they’re going to cover any immediate income shortfall, for example, and consider reviewing their retirement income plan to ensure it continues to meet their needs.

Rule change sees more than 3,200 NHS staff apply for ‘partial retirement’

Media contact: Calum Anderson, Citypress, 01300 460 7922 / Calum.anderson@Citypress.co.uk