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This list provides links to a variety of websites that are of interest or relevance to trade unionists interested in knowing more about pensions. They are grouped under the following headings.
Please let Union Pension Services know if you are aware of any other sites you think should be listed. The usual disclaimers apply and Union Pension Services has no responsibility for the content on any of these sites. Government sites: back to top DWP - The Pensions Green Paper (December 2002) www.dwp.gov.uk/consultations/consult/2002/pensions/ Simplicity, security and choice: working and saving for retirement - The pensions Green Paper issued in December 2002. Download copies of all the consultation documentsDWP - Pensioners' Guide www.info4pensioners.gov.uk/ The whole range of help and advice for pensioners available through central and local government. DWP - The Pension Service: www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/ Information on pensions whether you are planning for retirement or already retired DWP - The Pension Service - briefing on MIG: www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/mig/mig.asp Detailed information about the Government's Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) DWP - The Pension Service - State pension age calculator: www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/utility/resource_centre/calc.asp Calculates state pension age for women born after 5th April 1950 DWP - The Pension Service - State Pension Forecast: http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/utility/atoz/atozdetailed/rpforecast.asp The site to apply for a forecast of your State pension DWP - The Pension Guide: www.pensionguide.gov.uk/ The Government's 'impartial' pensions information site on the different pension options Employment Tribunals - Part-Time Cases (England & Wales): www.employmenttribunals.gov.uk/england/enghomeind.html Follow the link at the bottom right to the section of the site devoted to claims for lost pensions by part-time workers FSA - Consumer Alerts: www.fsa.gov.uk/consumer/consumer_help/consumers/index.html Link to the FSA's warning against "unlocking your pension" Government Actuary's Department: www.gad.gov.uk/The GAD are the Government's actuarial advisors. Lots of useful information GAD site on Staff transfers from the public to the private sector: www.gad.gov.uk/Pensions/Staff_transfers.htm Describes the government's policy when staff are transferred within the public service, or from the public service to the private sector HM Treasury - Consultation document (December 2002) on taxation of pension funds: www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/Consultations_and_Legislation The Treasury's discussion document for radical changes to the rules on benefit limits Inland Revenue Savings, Pensions, Share Schemes (IR SPSS): http://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/pensionschemes/index.htm The Inland Revenue's pensions area Inland Revenue SPSS Updates: www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/pensionschemes/updates.htm Newsletters issued by IR SPSS on an ad hoc basis Scottish Executive - Pensions: www.scotland.gov.uk/sppa Information on pensioners specific to Scotland Regulatory and similar bodies: back to top Financial Services Authority: www.fsa.gov.uk The single statutory regulator responsible for regulating deposit-taking, insurance and investment business, including pensions mis-selling.FSA Stakeholder decision trees: www.fsa.gov.uk/consumer/decision_trees/index.html The FSA has produced a consumer factsheet containing 'decision trees' to help consumers decide if a stakeholder pension would be a good choice for them. Occupational Pensions Advisory Service: www.opas.org.uk A non-profit organisation which seeks to help any member of the public who has a problem, complaint or dispute with their occupational or private pension arrangement. Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority: www.opra.gov.uk Supervises a range of legal requirements to protect people’s occupational pensions, including stakeholder pensions. Pension Scheme Registry:www.opra.gov.uk/registry/regmenu.shtml The Pension Schemes Registry, which is part of OPRA, can help you find pension schemes you have belonged to in the past. Pensions Ombudsman: www.pensions-ombudsman.org.uk The Pensions Ombudsman investigates and decides complaints and disputes about the way that pension schemes are run. Stakeholder Pensions - frequently asked pensions: http://stakeholder.opra.gov.uk/faqs Information from OPRA on Stakeholder schemes Trade unions : back to top Amicus - MSF: www.msf.org.uk/conference/pension_web/ Information from Amicus-MSF about their campaign on pensionsAmicus - E: www.aeeu.org.uk/pensions/index.htm The latest on the Amicus pensions campaign Communication Workers Union: www.cwu.org/about/postal/pensions.html Information on Post Office pensions Connect: www.connectuk.org/homepage.asp?areaid=4 A link to the union's retired members association CWU - Postal Pensions: 213.120.226.103/about/postal/pensions.html The CWU Post Office (Consignia) Pensions page Fire Brigades Union: www.fbu.org.uk/info/pensions.html Links to guides to the Firemen's Pension Scheme GMB: www.gmb.org.uk/docs/index-doc.asp?WorkUnitID=5 Lots of information about pensions Graphical, Paper and Media Union: www.gpmu.org.uk/pensions/ General information and advice for scheme members NASUWT: www.nasuwt.org.uk/templates/internal.asp?NodeID=43089 The NASUWT ‘s Pensions section of their website NATFHE: www.natfhe.org.uk/help/help0007.html Help and advice on pensions from NATFHE Prospect: www.prospect.org.uk/adviceandservices/pensions.php Entry point for Prospect members Public Services International: www.world-psi.org/psi.nsf/309183d3ac0174c8c125680200591741/ac9c0d1d854f2d48c125689c0046f607?OpenDocument The PSI has taken a lead on pension issues - the page has been developed to alert pensions specialists to specific pensions issues RMT: www.rmt.org.uk/gfx/pension_news1360.shtml Pension news from the railway industry Trades Union Congress: www.tuc.org.uk/pensions/index.cfm Detailed briefings and reports on TUC pensions policy TUC "Pay up for Pensions" campaign: www.tuc.org.uk/theme/index.cfm?theme=oink People are living longer, while the stock market falls. Find out here what's happening, and how the TUC is campaigning to Pay Up For Pensions. Union Pension Trustee Bulletin Board (MSN): groups.msn.com/UnionTrustees An open discussion area for trade unionists who are trustees or otherwise involved in pensions Unison: www.unison.org.uk/pay/pensions.asp What Unison is doing on pensions, especially on the Local Government Pension Scheme Action groups and other membership organisations: back to top Age Concern: www.ageconcern.org.uk/ Age Concern is the largest charitable movement in the UK concerned with the needs of older peopleThe Association of Retired and Persons Over 50 (ARP/O50): www.arp050.org.uk/ Claims to be the UK’s leading social and campaigning membership organisation for seniors. ASW Pension Action Group: www.pensionstheft.org From ex-employees of steel company ASW about how workers can lose out when their final pay scheme is wound-up Confederation of Occupational Pensioners Associations: www.copas.org.uk A confederation of occupational pensioners' associations in the UK. Glory Mill Pension Action Committee: www.fagans.free-online.co.uk/index.htm More information from workers who have lost their pensions when their employer became insolvent. Greater London Pensioners Association: www.seniorsworld.co.uk/glpa/index.htm The GLPA exists to campaign - to defend - to advance all the interests of pensioners Independent Pensions Research Group (IPRG): www.prg.org.uk/iprg/index.html An informal network of pensions specialists and lay activists which meets several times a year to discuss issues of common concern, exchange views and information, and develop ideas. The membership includes actuaries, lawyers, journalists and other professionals, as well as researchers, trade union officers and member trustees. - linked with the NPRG Just Pensions Campaign (War on Want): www.justpensions.org War on Want's guide to SRI (Socially responsible investment) Labour Research Department (LRD): www.lrd.org.uk/default.php3 The independent research organisation publishing news and information for trade unionists, including much useful material on pensions National Federation of Post Office & BT Pensioners: : www.pensioneronline.co.uk The Federation is one of the biggest pensioner organisations - it is in the process of expanding is coverage to include members outside BT and the Post Office National Pensioners Convention: www.natpencon.org.uk/index.htm The NPC is widely recognised, as the umbrella body for pensioners' groups throughout the UK. Northern Pensions Conference: www.prg.org.uk/conference/index.html The annual Northern Pensions Conference is the only one intended specifically for trade unionists and pension scheme members. Northern Pensions Resource Group (NPRG): www.prg.org.uk/nprg/index.html A group of trade unionists, union representatives and other individuals interested in pensions - state, occupational, personal, or stakeholder - linked with the IPRG Royal Ordnance Pensioners Association: www.cix.co.uk/~bicesterh3/ropa Seeks to ensure the security of the pension fund and its fair management in the interests of all of its members Seniors Network: www.seniorsnetwork.co.uk/index.htm An independent information resource for older people and their organisations with lots of useful links. Simon Kirby: www.badpension.com/ Shows what you can do on the web if you think you've been ripped off by your pension provider - well worth a look Industry and professional organisations: back to top Accounting Standards Board - FRS17: www.asb.org.uk/publications/publication307.html A useful summary of FRS 17 which sets out the accounting treatment for retirement benefitsAssociation of Consulting Actuaries: www.aca.org.uk The Association draws its membership from individual actuaries working in the consulting sector. Association of Independent Financial Advisors: www.aifa.net/homepage.htm AIFA is the trade association representing the IFA (Independent Financial Advisor) Association of Pension Lawyers (APL): www.apl.org.uk The APL is an association established and run by lawyers specialising in pensions in the UK Faculty & Institute of Actuaries: http://www.actuaries.org.uk/Display_Page.cgi?url=/board_area/pensions.html The pensions' homepage for UK actuaries. Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAEW) - information on FRS17: www.icaew.co.uk/index.cfm?AUB=TB2I_28569 Lots of information on FRS 17 - you have to look down the page National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF): www.napf.co.uk The principal body representing the interests of the occupational pension's industry. Occupational Pensions Defence Union: www.opdu.co.uk Offers insurance cover to trustees, administrators and sponsoring employers. Pensions Management Institute: www.pensions-pmi.org.uk The Institute for pensions professionals. Also of interest to trustees of pension schemes. Pensions Research Accountants Group www.prag.org.uk PRAG is an independent research and discussion group for the development and exchange of ideas in the pensions field. Society of Pension Consultants: www.spc.uk.com The representative body for the providers of advice and services needed to establish and operate occupational and personal pension schemes. Staple Inn Actuarial Society: www.sias.org.uk/home.htm Information and support for younger members of the actuarial profession Magazines & Journals: back to top Butterworths Tolley PensionPro: widgeryhtml.butterworths.co.uk/ The free access part of their comprehensive pensions information site - includes a useful weekly news updateFT - Your Money: news.ft.com/yourmoney/pensions A great site - links to all the FT group's pension stories plus advice IRS Pay & Pensions www.irsonline.co.uk/pub_subjects/index_pub_pay.htm Information about IRS publications on pensions Journal of Pensions Economics & Finance: http://journals.cambridge.org Academic journal on pensions Pensions Law: www.pensionslaw.com "A low cost pensions law reporting service for just £350 a year" (sic) Pensions World: www.pensionsworld.co.uk Lots of useful information from the monthly pensions magazine Pensionsnet: www.pensionsnet.com A collection of pension news from the Web Professional Pensions: www.profpens.co.uk/ Weekly newspaper for the UK occupational pensions industry Pension Schemes: back to top British Telecommunications plc pensions: www.btpensions.net The pension schemes' siteBT Pensions: www.btplc.com/pda/Betterworld/Employees/Payandbenefits/Pensionscheme.htm The employer's site Carlton plc pensions: www.carltonplc.co.uk/carlton/about/pensions/ Civil Service Pensions: www.civilservice-pensions.gov.uk The comprehensive Civil Service Pensions website Local Government Pensions: www.lgps.org.uk a guide to the Local Government Pension Scheme Merchant Navy Officers Pension Scheme: www.mnopf.co.uk/index.html Providing pensions on retirement and protection on death for officers in the UK mercantile marine Merchant Navy Ratings Pension Scheme: www.mnrpf.co.uk/ A members only site NHS Pensions: www.nhspa.gov.uk Royal Mail pensions: www.royalmailgroup.com/pensions/index.html Sainsbury plc pensions: www.jspensions.com Teachers' Pensions: www.teacherspensions.co.uk Teachers' Pensions (Scotland): www.scotland.gov.uk/sppa/teachers/default.asp Universities Superannuation Scheme: www.usshq.co.uk/ Wimpey plc pensions: www.wimpeypensions.co.uk Firms of actuarial and other consultants: back to top Aon Consulting: www.aon.com/ Large firm of actuariesBarnett Waddingham - consulting actuaries: www.barnett-waddingham.co.uk/ Medium sized firm of actuaries Hewitt Bacon & Woodrow - consulting actuaries: www.hewittbaconwoodrow.co.uk/ Jagger & Associates: www.jaggerandassociates.co.uk/ Large firm of actuaries John Ralfe Consulting: www.johnralfe.com/ The leading proponent of pension funds investing in bonds, not equities Lane Clark & Peacock LLP - consulting actuaries: www.lcp-actuaries.co.uk Medium sized firm of actuarie Mercers: www.mercerhr.com/ Large firm of actuarie Pensions & Investment Research Consultants (PIRC): www.pirc.co.uk The leading consultancy for pension funds in the field of corporate governance and socially responsible investment PriceWaterhouseCoopers - pensions: www.pwcglobal.com/uk/eng/ins-sol/publ/pensions/pensions.html Actuaries as well as accountants - this is their Pensions Newsletter Thompsons Solicitors: http://www.thompsons.law.co.uk Labour movement lawyers with pensions expertise Towers Perrin: www.towers.com/towers/locations/uk/frame_uk.asp Large firm of actuaries Watson Wyatt: www.watsonwyatt.com/europe/ Large firm of actuaries Watson Wyatt - UK Pension Statistics: www.watsonwyatt.com/europe/pubs/longtermstats/ A direct link to lots of useful facts and figures Information about pensions from overseas: back to top Californian Public Employees Retiremenmt System: http://www.calpers.ca.gov/ One of the world's largest funds and a leading proponent of social responsibilityCenter for Retirement Research - Boston: www.bc.edu/centers/crr/ Promotes useful research on retirement issues. CERP: http://cerp.unito.it Italian based international research institute European Actuaries Consultative Group: www.gcactuaries.org Represents the actuarial profession in discussion with the European Union European Association of Paritarian Organisations: www.aeip.net/ International group of pension and other funds that are run jointly by employees and employers European Commission - Internal Markets Division: www.europa.eu.int/comm/internal_market/pensions/index_en.htm Deals with the financial aspects of pensions in the EU European Commission - Social Policy Division: www.europa.eu.int/comm/employment_social/soc-prot/schemes/index_en.htm Deals with the social aspects of pensions in the EU European Federation for Retirement Provision: www.efrp.org/web.html Like the NAPF but across Europe European Industrial Relations Observatory: www.eiro.eurofound.ie Pensions page of a tripartite European Union body for better living and working conditions International Actuarial Association: www.actuaries.org/Worldwide association of professional actuarial associations and individual actuaries. International Labour Organisation - Pensions: www.ilo.org/public/english/protection/socsec/pol/index.htm Aims at the extension of social security coverage and effective governance of occupational schemes. International Social Security Association: www.issa.int/engl/homef.htm A forum for social security institutions throughout the world OECD: www.oecd.org/EN/home/ Lots of work on pensions from an OECD viewpoint The Pension Research Council (USA): prc.wharton.upenn.edu/prc/prc.html Based at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is one of the leading organizations generating research and debate on pensions World Bank: www.worldbank.org The World Bank's slant on pensions - good for international links Other sites of pensions interest: back to top Axia Economics: www.axiaecon.com/ Mainly academic papers on pensionsBBC - pensions crisis: news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/business/2002/pensions_crisis/ The BBC's page on pensions - masses of information, advice and links Better Government for Older People: www.bettergovernmentforolderpeople.gov.uk/ Part of the UK's Modernising Government Agenda Group for Economic and Market Value Based Studies: www.gemstudy.com/ A site from the three leading actuarial proponents of "modern financial theory" The Institute for Fiscal Studies - Pensions & Saving: www.ifs.org.uk/pensionsindex.shtml Links to the IFS's work on pensions and saving John Eatwell: www.cerf.cam.ac.uk/publications/files/Eatwell-%20pensions%20crisis.pdf A very useful paper from a Cambridge academic demolishing some pension myths Jon Spain - FRS17: www.frs17.org.uk Jon Spain, an actuary at the GAD, provides masses of information about FRS17 ... Jon Spain - Surpluses: www.sur.org.uk and about statutory surpluses ... Jon Spain - MFR: www.mfr.org.uk and about the MFR. Local Authority Pension Fund Forum (LAPFF): www.lapfforum.org/index2.htm Promotes the investment interests of local authority pension funds and maximises their influence as shareholders to promote corporate social responsibility. Mike Reddin: www.lse.u-net.com/PENSIONS.htm Mike has written on pensions for many years Oxford Institute of Ageing etc.: www.ageing.ox.ac.uk/ Links to various academic papers on pensions Pensions Diary: www.pensionsdiary.co.uk/index.asp A diary with a selection of dates for meetings and legislation Pensions Institute (Birkbeck College): www.pensions-institute.org/ academic research centre focused entirely on pensions research Plain English Campaign - pensions page: www.plainenglish.co.uk/pensions.html The Plain English Campaign's special section on pensions Stephan Wynn: www.comparativetables.com/ Stephen's investigations into the true cost of private pensions Tony Lynes: www.tonylynes.co.uk/ Links to Tony's tireless work on behalf of pensioners |
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