Thursday, August 16, 2012

Pensions: Wakey, Wakey Community and Voluntary sector!

This initial advice below was sent out yesterday by UNISON Community national officer, Simon Watson. We met up with the Pension Trust last week (with Unite and the UNISON pension officer
Alan Fox). 

"Pensions: Auto enrolment and scheme changes

UNISON is aware that many employers are reviewing their position in light of the forthcoming auto-enrolment of staff into pension schemes, and recent valuation of some pension schemes. Some employers are considering raising contribution rates, or even closing schemes.

UNISON believes that some employers are panicking unnecessarily, and the outcome of the LGPS negotiations shows that high quality defined benefit pension schemes remain a viable and realistic option for the community and voluntary sector.

We recently met with the Pensions Trust to discuss the schemes that they administer (including the Social Housing Pension Scheme) and we are preparing advice on both what to do if an employer proposes changes, and on “auto-enrolment” into pension schemes. Look out for these soon.
Employers are legally obliged to consult with current and prospective members of the pension scheme before making changes, under regulations from 2006 (www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2006/349/contents).

Please get in touch with UNISON if you hear of any changes to your pension scheme – email pensionsm@unison.co.uk."

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