Retained firefighters to be given access to fire service pension scheme

[geordie]

A very shrewd move by the government. Divide and conquer.

[Lou1z]

yes it's a classic divide and conquer but easily defended.
let's not forget, we ain't trying to convince the public. we're trying to defend what we know we should have.

[brumble49]

Retained Firefighters’ Pension Settlement – consultation now on

[COLOR="Red"]July 24, 2013
[/COLOR]

The FBU welcomes the consultation document for the Retained Firefighters’ Pension Settlement that was issued on 23 July 2013.

This document sets out the proposals for the ‘Modified’ scheme which is available to retained firefighters who were employed by FRA’s between 1 July 2000 and 5 April 2006, and outlines the proposed new terms that were negotiated by the FBU and the Department for Communities and Local Government over a period following our successful legal challenge.

The consultation runs from 23 July 2013 until 3 September 2013, which will be followed by the laying of the necessary legislation.

The introduction to the document clearly identifies that this is an agreement that was negotiated by the FBU for eligible retained firefighters. The terms of arrangements confirm the uniform accrual rate of 1/45ths, an NPA of 55, commutation factors that mirror the 1992 FPS on the day the legislation is introduced and contribution rates that will reflect those of the 1992 FPS.

It is important that you make retained members fully aware of the benefits of the scheme and also the ways in which they can pay their backdated contributions. The repayment options were agreed between the FBU and CLG following a series of meetings and should make it significantly easier and more affordable for retained members to join.

Retained members will immediately see the value of this scheme but it is vital that you emphasise that even before it is formally introduced it is being attacked by the government’s pension proposals in exactly the same way that the 1992 and 2006 schemes are. Retained members should recognise that this is now another firefighter pension scheme that the FBU is trying to defend and must be reminded of the importance of supporting the ballot.

A more detailed circular will be prepared and the FBU is planning to provide further assistance and advice to members in the near future.

http://www.fbu.org.uk/?p=6878#more-6878

[suzi]

[COLOR="Red"]July 24, 2013
[/COLOR]

The FBU welcomes the consultation document for the Retained Firefighters’ Pension Settlement that was issued on 23 July 2013.

This document sets out the proposals for the ‘Modified’ scheme which is available to retained firefighters who were employed by FRA’s between 1 July 2000 and 5 April 2006, and outlines the proposed new terms that were negotiated by the FBU and the Department for Communities and Local Government over a period following our successful legal challenge.

The consultation runs from 23 July 2013 until 3 September 2013, which will be followed by the laying of the necessary legislation.

The introduction to the document clearly identifies that this is an agreement that was negotiated by the FBU for eligible retained firefighters. The terms of arrangements confirm the uniform accrual rate of 1/45ths, an NPA of 55, commutation factors that mirror the 1992 FPS on the day the legislation is introduced and contribution rates that will reflect those of the 1992 FPS.

It is important that you make retained members fully aware of the benefits of the scheme and also the ways in which they can pay their backdated contributions. The repayment options were agreed between the FBU and CLG following a series of meetings and should make it significantly easier and more affordable for retained members to join.

Retained members will immediately see the value of this scheme but it is vital that you emphasise that even before it is formally introduced it is being attacked by the government’s pension proposals in exactly the same way that the 1992 and 2006 schemes are. Retained members should recognise that this is now another firefighter pension scheme that the FBU is trying to defend and must be reminded of the importance of supporting the ballot.

A more detailed circular will be prepared and the FBU is planning to provide further assistance and advice to members in the near future.

http://www.fbu.org.uk/?p=6878#more-6878

I'm confused. How can you have access to a pension from 13 years ago that you didn't contribute to?

[notnarcissus]

I'm confused. How can you have access to a pension from 13 years ago that you didn't contribute to?

Because 13 years ago there was no pension for the retained to contribute to. The FBU has won the right for those who were employed at that time to backdate contributions to a scheme they should have had access to.

And before you ask, I believe those who were employed during the relevant dates between 2000 and 2006 may still be able to access this modified scheme even if they did not join the NFPS when that became available to them. The rationale could be that 'why would I join the NFPS if I believed I should have been allowed access to the superior FPS?'

[genghis]

So they will have to pay 11% of their retained earnings over that period?
Can't see many takers for that one, will cost them a fortune.

Still its one of the FBU points met , so thats good.

[notnarcissus]

So they will have to pay 11% of their retained earnings over that period?
Can't see many takers for that one, will cost them a fortune.

Still its one of the FBU points met , so thats good.

If the individual is already 55 or over they can make the back payments out of any lump sum they may be due if they elect to retire.

[SoCo]

So the retired members could pay £xxxx in and get £xxxxxxxx back?

Brilliant

[Nightstaffer]

It is probably a good " investment" if they have the readies.
Well done FBU
All equal

[Lou1z]

yes, it's a step in the right direction.
my only concern is that it's not used as an excuse eg "one of several pillars met" as the pension dispute was well on the way before this part was added at the last minute.