NURSES, radiographers, paramedics and other public service officials are demonstrating in Huntingdon this morning (Wednesday).

Members from Unison have been protesting outside Hinchingbrooke Hospital since 7am against Government plans to change the retirement age to 68 and asking public service workers to contribute more to their pensions.

Hospital staff and nurses representing Unison were joined by members from the Society of Radiographers at the road entrance to the car park. Ambulance staff based at the hospital were also out on strike next to the emergency vehicle station.

Markus Schneider, a nurse at Hinchingbrooke, said: “It’s about getting a message across to the Government and to the CEO of the hospital. We want a bigger say in things, including the deal with Circle.”

Roslyn Lake, who works on the hospital switchboard, said: “It’s not just for us. We are thinking about the people who work at the hospital in the future, for the under-25s who this will hit when they are more mature.”

The Government wants to postpone retirement age till workers are 68, and to make public service staff put more into their pensions to reduce the cost to the taxpayer.

Staff at Huntingdon courts also walked out of work to oppose the plans. There were short demonstrations outside the Huntingdonshire District Council offices and the Jobcentre Plus in the town.