Pension schemes and retirement

Job opportunities Current vacancies Staff benefits Our values Living in Worcester Jobs login Salary and Grading Pension schemes and retirement Pension Schemes and Retirement  FAQs Joining a pension scheme How do I join a workplace pension scheme? Which pension scheme will I enrolled in? Will my pension scheme change if I move roles internally? Which scheme will I join if I return to working at the University after a break in service or after retirement? Can I opt to join the Aviva scheme if I am a current staff member at the University? Why are staff auto-enrolled into the pension scheme every three years? Pension contributions How much will I pay into my pension scheme? Is there a salary sacrifice arrangement in place for any of the schemes? Can I transfer previous pension contributions into my pension? What happens to my contributions if I am not being paid? Can I pay extra contributions into my pension fund? Can I have a break from paying into my pension? Leaving the University Can I leave the pension scheme after I have been enrolled into it? Can I transfer my pension to another employer if I leave the University? Retirement (including flexible/ phased retirement) Can I ask for an up-to-date statement or estimate of my future pension funds? When can I retire? What is my normal pension age? Can I retire before normal pension age? What is phased or flexible retirement? How do I request phased or flexible retirement? What happens if I don't want to retire when I reach my normal retirement age? Do I need to resign when I retire? Can I take a "break in service" to access my pension benefits? Can I continue to work after I start taking my pension benefits? Redundancy and Ill-health retirement Is my pension affected if I am made redundant? What is ill health retirement? Will my pension be paid to my surviving family after I die?  Pension scams Pension scams are prevalent in the UK and are increasingly sophisticated and difficult to spot. The Pension Regulator provides helpful advice on how pension scams work, the warning signs and how you can avoid being scammed. Note on financial advice The HR and Payroll teams are not able to provide financial advice and can only respond to questions about pension administration. For specific advice in relation to your personal circumstances please contact your pension provider. You are advised to also take independent financial advice before making any important decisions.