Jeremy Hunt says the plans are needed - particularly to discourage NHS consultants from retiring early.
Mr Hunt's also defended the 2-and-a-half years it'll take to roll out extended free childcare in England - calling it the 'biggest transformation' in his lifetime.
The Norbiton-based Fire Brigades Union says “the multi-millionaire chancellor has declared war on hard pressed workers”.
Its general secretary, Matt Wrack, says it adopts the “same cuts driven approach” which led to recent strike action.