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Ministry of Defence

Answer

Mr. Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he and his officials have had with (a) employee representatives, (b) management and (c) pension fund companies about future pension arrangements for current DERA employees. [141359] Dr. Moonie: [holding answer 12 December 2000]: Officials have worked closely with employee representatives in designing pension arrangements for employees who will transfer to the new company. Trade Union representatives were invited to, and have participated in, a pension scoping group which was established to explore potential pension schemes. As this work has progressed, dialogue has continued with employee representatives and we will shortly begin a period of formal consultation on a selected scheme. In addition to formal consultation, a series of roadshows for all affected employees will be conducted in the new year and these will offer staff the opportunity to learn more about the detail of the new scheme benefits and to have their options explained. To ensure that the new scheme meets the Government's commitment to providing broad comparability with the public sector pension scheme, detailed discussions have taken place between DERA management, MOD officials and relevant Government Departments including the Government Actuary's Department, HM Treasury and the Cabinet Office. These discussions will continue as the scheme is established and its rules and administrative arrangements are developed. Early in the process, DERA appointed actuarial and pension fund consultants to assist them in the development of occupational pension arrangements. There have been no discussions with pension fund companies.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

360 c16-7W; 141359

Session

2000-01

Subjects

Workplace pensions Pensions Public participation Defence Evaluation and Research Agency

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk