MyGlasgow News

The period for consultation on the proposed changes to the University of Glasgow Pension Scheme (UGPS) will end on 20 September, it was announced this week. Much of the engagement involves the relevant campus trade unions including Unison, Unite and GMB.

In addition to the consultation process, a series of information roadshows is being organised for August. Details of dates, times and venues will be advertised on campus as soon as possible.

UGPS is the University's local pension scheme, through which the University Court makes available an occupational pension for those employees who do not come within the scope of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS).  Approximately two and a half thousand members (largely technical, secretarial and operational staff), and potential members of UGPS, have recently been made aware of the proposed changes and told they could be affected. These proposals are aimed at strengthening the future security of the fund. Discussions with UGPS stakeholders, including the trade unions, started in February of this year. UGPS, like many final salary schemes, has been in deficit for some time and if not addressed this will have an impact on the scheme’s ability to meet pension payments in the future.

Last month the University Court accepted proposals put forward by an expert working group tasked with advising on how best to provide a sustainable pension scheme for staff into the future, whilst protecting the generous benefits of existing members at an affordable cost. The proposals include retaining the current final salary scheme for existing members but closing the scheme to any new entrants, with alternative arrangements to be put in place for new staff. The member contribution rate would be increased to 7.5% of pensionable salary based on these proposals. Further, the ability to take an unreduced pension from age 60 would be removed for future service. Pension accrued in respect of service up to the date of the change would still be payable without reduction when taken from age 60 or over. The normal pension age would be linked to increases to the State pension age. A new defined contribution scheme would be set up for new entrants. 

The consultation process involving stakeholders is already underway. The roadshows next month are intended to help staff potentially affected by these proposed changes to understand what is planned and to provide an opportunity to raise questions or comment on the proposals. Details of dates, times and venues will be advertised on campus as soon as possible.

It is anticipated the changes to UGPS will come into effect early in 2014.

If you would like to respond to the consultation you can make your views known by contacting UGPS – Pensions, Finance Office, University of Glasgow, University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8QQ, or e-mail

ugps-pensions@glasgow.ac.uk . The University is unable to provide personal pension advice.

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First published: 4 July 2013