Your contributions

You also pay reduced National Insurance contributions because the Fund is contracted-out of the State Second Pension.

Part-time workers

If you work part-time you contribute 5% of your pro-rated pensionable salary.

Employer contributions

Your employer makes contributions to meet the balance of the costs of the Fund. The Actuary regularly looks at funding levels and advises on how much each employer should contribute, so the amount can vary. At the moment the Fund is in deficit so:

• The principal employer is paying 27.3% of your contributory pensionable salary.

You can find full details in the Trustees' Annual Report and Accounts, which can be found in Fund documents.

Changes to contributions

Contributions normally change in January of each year and are based on pensionable salary in the previous November.

Contributions remain the same for the calendar year unless working hours change. In this case they will be based on your pro-rated pensionable salary following each change.

When contributions stop

Your contributions stop when you retire or leave service. While you are in service they will only stop if you:

• Complete 40 years' pensionable service and choose to stop paying contributions
• Are a New Member and choose to stop paying contributions when you reach age 65, for more information please read our guide to Ceasing Contributions - New Members
• Opt out of the Fund
• Are an Existing Member and choose to stop paying contributions when you reach age 60 or age 65, for more information please read our guide to Ceasing Contributions - Existing Members

Increasing your contributions

You can increase your contributions by joining the Additional Voluntary Contributions Plan.

If your pay falls

Occasionally, when changing jobs, your pensionable salary may fall. If this happens the pension that you have already earned is protected.