New Pension

Pinkylouloubell

Hi,

I have just started working as a teaching assistant and have just received my first payslip.

A deduction of £63 has been taken out under Voluntary Pension.

zs yet I have no contract and was not asked if I wanted to participate in any pension schemes so was not aware that this was going to be deducted.

I am going to speak to payroll tomorow but TBO dont really know what to say??

any advice please.

jamesd

"Please tell me more about this deduction and what benefit I get from it." Then you can find out how it's voluntary and what you're getting for it.

dunstonh

You need to look at the pension options the employer has. Voluntary pension tends to refer to AVCs (additional voluntary contributions). To be able to pay into those you also have to be in the defined benefit occupational scheme.

CAE

Are you working as a teaching assistant for the Local Authority? If yes, you will be in the Local Government Pension Scheme.

From 1st April you have to have a contract of more than three months to be eligible to join the scheme, and you would then be bought in automaticallly from the outset. You say you don't have a contract, but this may be an administration issue, and the intention is that your job is for more than three months. Membership of the pension scheme should be explained as part of your terms and conditions when offered the post.

You do not have to remain in the LGPS if you don't wish to, but you must opt out within three months if you want a refund of your pension contributions (less certain deductions).

Hope this helps.