Pensions

Defending and improving pensions

Local services
UNISON is working to defend good pension schemes and improve and promote affordable, decent pensions for all our members, whererever you work.

We negotiate changes to improve pensions on behalf of our members, and defend the pensions of members who are transferred between employers - from the public to the private sector.

UNISON also acts to affect government policy on pensions, including state pensions and Pension Credits.

Check back for regular updates and news on the main pension schemes and pension issues.

Link to another page on this siteContacting the pensions unit
Link to another page on this siteHow we deal with individual pensions cases

Pensions news

The immediate threats to Final Salary Pension
The immediate threats to Final Salary Pension Schemes in the Private Sector
Pension Credit
What is the Pension Credit? How do I claim it? What are UNISON’s concerns?
The importance of retaining an underpin for increases in the Basic State Pension and prices
(28/07/08) Briefing on the importance of the retaining an underpin for increases in the Basic State Pension and prices
What about your pension during strike action
(09/07/08) One question the Branch officers are often asked, when there's any suggestion of a strike or other industrial action, is "what would happen to my pension?" It is also an issue that management raise, in an attempt to stop people planning such action. But, in fact, a strike of a few days would not normally have any significant effect on benefits.
State Pension Concession for Women
(07/05/08)  If you are a woman who has either retired or are approaching retirement and have gaps in your National Insurance record for years between April 1996 and April 2002, you are likely to be entitled to "buy back" these missing years at a special rate.
Salary Sacrifice Schemes
(21/04/08) The increasing growth of salary sacrifice schemes
Key issues in the local government pension scheme
(31/03/08) UNISON is urging activists to take a closer look at the new scheme
Pension increase for 2008
(28/03/08) Public service pensions will rise 3.9% from 7 April
Added Years
(17/03/08) Last chance to start buying added years in the LGPS (England and Wales)
State pension
(07/03/08) Ten things you may not know about the basic state pension
TUPE transfer pension rights
(21/02/08) Ever wondered what your pension rights are on being TUPE transferred?
Employer requirements to consult on pension changes
(21/02/08) If you are in a pension scheme and the sponsoring employer wishes to make a detrimental change, they may be required to consult you first
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Contact details
• For technical advice.
• Email: Pensions
• Write to: Pensions unit, UNISON, 1 Mabledon Place, London WC1H 9AJ
The new LGPS and you
Link to a PDF document on this siteDownload briefing [PDF]
(June 2008)
Recent documents

A brief guide to the new NHS pension schemes in England and Wales

UNISON guide to the new NHS pension schemes in England and Wales
Link to a PDF document on this siteA brief guide to the new NHS pension schemes in England and Wales

What about your pension during strike action

An issue often raised when strike action is imminent. But, in fact, a strike of a few days would not normally have any significant effect on benefits. Read full details in our factsheet.
Link to a PDF document on this siteWhat about your pension during strike action

Pensions consultation factsheet

The Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Consultation by Employers and Miscellaneous Amendment) Regulations 2006 require employers with at least 100 employees to consult with pension scheme members when proposing "listed changes".
Link to a PDF document on this sitePensions consultation factsheet
All documents >