New local authority staff to maintain access to NHS Pension Scheme

Published: 23 May 2012

It has been confirmed that NHS staff transferring to local authority employers next year will retain access to the NHS Pension Scheme.

This follows extensive discussions between the Department of Health, local government employers and trade unions.

The decision was communicated after Royal Assent was given to the Health and Social Care Act. It is long-standing Department of Health policy that staff should receive pension protection when they are compulsorily transferred, based on the Fair Deal principles.

“This is good news for staff, who have been concerned about the impact these moves will have on their pension, but there is still more work to be undertaken,” said Janet Davies, RCN Director of Nursing and Service Delivery.

Staff will transfer to local authority employment on 1 April 2013, as part of the process of public health functions moving from primary care trusts to local authorities.

Further discussions are taking place in relation to pensions provisions for new starters and for staff who move between posts after this date. A working group including the RCN and other trade unions, employers, the Department of Health and the Treasury is considering these issues.

Further information

Read the Department of Health letter: Public Health Transfer to Local Government – Treatment of Pensions (Word 240KB).

Read the Department of Health document: Public Health Transfer To Local Government – Treatment of Pensions, Frequently Asked Questions (Word 48 KB).