A Yeovil physiotherapist is backing a campaign against changes the Government is planning to make to her pension.

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy is encouraging its 45,000 members to voice their concerns by writing to their local MP and by taking part in workplace meeting and public rallies.

The CSP is opposed to the compulsory raising of the normal pension age from 60 to 65 years and the society's action will coincide with the TUC's public sector pensions campaign day tomorrow (Friday, Feb 18).

Sue Chesterman, an NHS physiotherapist and CSP regional steward at Yeovil District Hospital, explains why physiotherapists should back the cociety's campaign:

"Physiotherapy is a physically demanding," she said. "It is a 'hands-on' profession.

"Physiotherapists frequently work in awkward positions with patients who can be heavy and difficult to assist. The potential for work-related injury is significant.

"After a lifetime of working in the NHS, many physiotherapists simply won't be able to carry on working until they are 65, and it is not reasonable to expect them to do so. Opportunities to move from clinical to managerial work are limited and not suitable for all staff.

'Forcing NHS staff to work to 65 to receive their full pension will deter talented people from joining the NHS and that can only jeopardise the future of the service and the public's health.'

A review of the NHS Pension Scheme is currently underway. Under the government's proposals, NHS staff face a compulsory increase in their normal pension age from 60 to 65 years.

Another controversial element of the review is the possibility that the NHS pension scheme will be based on career average earnings (CARE) rather than final salary, as is the case at present.