HL Deb 30 October 1985 vol 467 cc1601-2WA
Lord Graham of Edmonton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

(1) What information they have as to how many people do not receive a proportionate pension for service on retirement, due to a change of employment during their career; and list changes for the years 1979–85; (2) What information they have as to the percentage of the pensionable population who do not receive a proportionate pension for service on retirement owing to a change in employment during their career and list changes for the years 1979–81.

Baroness Trumpington

In his 1979 Survey of Occupational Pensions Schemes the Government Actuary estimated an annual turnover of some 1 million scheme members, which is equivalent to about 10 per cent.

The effect on eventual pension of people who change employment depends on the rules of the individual pension scheme. However, we accept that people who change jobs often lose in terms of their pension. That is why we have taken steps in the Social Security Act 1985 to require schemes to revalue preserved pensions for future early leavers in line with prices up to 5 per cent. a year compound. We are also giving future early leavers the right to take a transfer if they prefer that to a preserved pension.

Details of the number of people concerned are not available.