not getting pension

alanrp123

During the period Feb 1969 until Nov 1975 I was employed by a major oil company in the North Sea, and belonging to the contributory pension scheme was a condition of employment.
This scheme commenced in late 1971 or early 1972.
I have now had a lot of communication with the company and they say they have no recors at all re my employment history or pension contributions.
I have contacted various government pension departments, and am no further forward.
I have no records of this employment, hving gone through a divorce, and my ex destroying all my files.
Anyone have any ideas??.
Many thanks in advance.

wannabestayathomemum

I think your problem relates to the reduced rights of "early leavers" (which is anyone who left their employment before they reached retirement) experienced until 1986. Basically anyone leaving a pension scheme after April 1975 (which from what you say appears to be your situation) would have been entitled to benefits, but only if you had more than 5 years service in the pension scheme. If you were in the scheme for less than 5 years you would only have been entitled to a refund of the contributions you personally made into the scheme. It is therefore likely that you received a refund at the time you left the Company and simply forgot about it. My suggestion would be to ask the pensions department of your ex-employer to confirm what would have happened to your benefits if you were a member during the dates you state (even if they can't find you on their records they should be able to tell you this) I would guess that they will say something similar to what I have said, but at least if you get it from them you will have a conclusion to your query. I hope this helps - sorry I can't give you something more positive !