Introduction to public sector pensions

The challenge

Defined benefit pensions have always been a key recruitment and retention tool for the public sector. Public sector pension schemes, however, have not been completely immune to the changes prevalent in the private sector.

All of the public sector pension schemes have undergone a wholesale review following the recommendations made in March 2011 by the Independent Public Service Pensions Commission chaired by Lord Hutton, with new career average schemes being established from 1 April 2015 (1 April 2014 in the case of the Local Government Pension Scheme in England and Wales). HM Treasury has also made significant changes to the Fair Deal guidance relating to protection of pension rights for public sector employees who are part of an outsourcing of public services. These changes represent a challenge both to public sector employers and to private sector employers who take transfers of public sector staff.

How we can help

Eversheds Sutherland has a dedicated public sector pensions team, which has extensive experience in advising on issues affecting all public sector pension schemes, as well as on public sector issues affecting private sector schemes. Our public sector pensions lawyers work closely with colleagues across the firm including those in the Local Government, Education and Healthcare sector groups.

Practical help now

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• Glossary of terms