Can pension contributions be backdated?

LouiseJ

I have been teaching in a Further Education College on a part time hourly paid basis for the past 7 years (short term contracts, but my latest contract says that I have continuous service since 2000).

It has come to light that I have had a right for all of these years to contribute to the teachers pension scheme where the contributions are 6% employee 12% employer!

I have sent for a pack to join as soon as possible but I was wondering if I had any rights to this being backdated. I have never been informed of how the pension scheme opperates and did not get an induction when I started 7 years ago.

I may be totally off the mark here but has anyone any idea if employer pensions can be backdated if employees were never informed properly, or is it at the descretion of the employer?

LouiseJ

Thanks for that reply,

Just feeling a bit pi**ed off that I have missed out on all those years of employers contributions.

dunstonh

If you can prove that you were told you couldnt join then they should backdate your contributions and put you in the scheme. If you chose not to join then they dont have to.

LouiseJ

dunstonh wrote: »

If you can prove that you were told you couldnt join then they should backdate your contributions and put you in the scheme. If you chose not to join then they dont have to.

I cant prove that I was told that I couldn't join but I was not made aware that I could either.

Sobraon

UCU has campaigned a lot recently for P/T staff. Pension rights for P/T staff came up at the Oct' 07 conference. Suggest you give them a ring (website is www.ucu.org.uk).

louisebrown

Hi there,
Good question, essentially unless your employer can prove that your were given something in writing advising you of your right to join the pension scheme then yes you should be able to have the payments backdated. I imagine your part time working pattern was the original reason you were not enrolled onto the scheme, however rules changed in recent years and employers can no longer exclude part time workers. It is something you will have to apply for and possibly in some form of tribunal. I would contact your union if a member or perhaps the CAB for help. You might also find the HMRC guidance leaflet helpful (cant post the link as I am a new user and MSE won't let me sorry) but if you head to direct.gov.uk and search for backdating occupational pensions it should appear for you - if not try googling it!
The USS or Teachers Pension Schemes, if either of these are the pension scheme you are entitled to join, are usually very knowledgable and helpful so perhaps find out which you would be joining and give them a call.
Hope thats of some help!

chris_m

I would hope that the OP found out before this - it was nearly 2 years ago ;-)