The Government formally announced in the Queen’s Speech on 19 December 2019 its intention to introduce a Collective Defined Contribution (CDC) pension scheme into UK law. CDC is a key part of the new pension plan agreed between the CWU and Royal Mail. We have worked closely and jointly with our unions at all levels on this and will continue to do so.
The Pension Schemes Bill also featured in the Queen’s Speech in October 2019 and is being reintroduced to Parliament following the recent General Election. The Bill has to have readings in both the House of Lords and House of Commons before it can become UK law. If passed, the Bill will make CDC pensions available in the UK for the first time.
Royal Mail’s proposed 'Collective Pension Plan' is a single scheme for employees that will provide a tax-free lump sum when you reach retirement and a monthly income during it.
What happens next?
There are many stages of the Bill to progress through Parliament. We will keep you updated on the passage of this important legislation.
While we seek a CDC scheme, from 1 April 2018 members are building up retirement benefits under our transitional arrangements. They will continue to provide good quality retirement benefits for members of the Royal Mail Pension Plan (RMPP) and the Royal Mail Defined Contribution Plan (RMDCP).
Questions
If you have questions on our pension arrangements, please have a look at the Q&A here.
Our current pension arrangements
Royal Mail Group has in place the following key pension and life assurance arrangements for its employees:
The Royal Mail Defined Contribution Plan is open to eligible new employees of Royal Mail Group and those eligible employees who are not members of any other Royal Mail Group pension arrangement.
The Royal Mail Pension Plan (Sections B and C closed to new entrants with effect from 1 April 2008).
The Royal Mail Group Life Assurance Scheme provides death in service cover for Royal Mail employees who are not members of a Royal Mail Group pension arrangement. Frequently asked questions on this scheme can be found here.