LGPS question

dweep

I used to work for my local council. I stopped working for them summer 2007.

I paid into the Local Government Pension Scheme up till Spring 2004.

I now regret leaving this scheme when I did, and I'm wondering if I would be allowed to make payments for those missing years (Spring 2004 - Summer 2007). However I don't know if this can be done as I am no longer an employee of the council.

Would anyone know if LGPS's let ex - employees add to their pension fund in these particular circumstances ??

Retired_I.F.A.

No .

Dunno what else to say really other than it's not possible with any final salary scheme once you have left the job.

XRS

Is there a chance that you could work for them again? You might then be able to buy an AVC or extra years in the scheme.

dweep

XRS....Like you, that thought did cross my mind. Unfortunately, (for me!) alot of council work in my council has gradually been contracted out over the years, or else it's gone "casual," so that you find yourself getting work generated by the council but distributed on a casual worker basis. ie night /day sitting elderly care service. But as it's on an "as and when" type basis, this casual employment means you are not an employee of the council and therefore (I assume) can't participate in the LGPS. (I know you cannot get holiday pay and sick pay).

I'm going to keep looking on the council website though. Even a temporary job might give me access to the pension scheme, although I don't know if as a temporary worker, even one where I would be directly employed by the council again would give me the right to rejoin the LGPS. I'm not familiar with temporary employee's rights in this area.

If anyone knows if temporary workers can join the LGPS I'd be glad to hear from them.

m_c_s

You might find this link useful.

http://www.wiltshirepensionfund.org.uk/casual1.doc

also main site
http://www.wiltshirepensionfund.org.uk/about-the-scheme/factsheets.htm

My wife works for Wilts Council on a part time basis and they allow casual workers to join the LGPS. She is not sure whether it is at the particular LGPS admin discretion, but Wilts CC have been very flexible particularly with my wife transfering old pensions and buying added years:D .

CAE

Temporary workers employed by a local authority are entitled to join the LGPS, and in fact should become members of the scheme automatically. Casual workers may opt in to the scheme.

The LGPS is undergoing change, and from 1st April 2008 temporay workers will only be admitted to the scheme if they have a contract of more than three months. The scenario for casual workers is a bit more complicated, and a true casual employee will no longer be able to join the scheme.

If you rejoin the scheme you should elect to amalgamate your previous benefit entitlement with your new employment within 12 months of rejoining.

dweep

Thanks for responses m_c_s and CAE, your info is very useful.