What rules about part-time workers apply to occupational pension schemes?

In recent years part-timers have got a much better deal thanks to union action and European law.

In general it is now illegal for employers to prevent part-time workers from joining an occupational scheme (though there may be some very special circumstances in which they can).

Many part-time workers who were discriminated against in the past have also been able to build up back pension, although if this applies to you and you have not taken action you have probably now missed the time limits. Take advice.

If you are in a salary related scheme, then your benefits will be worked out on what is called a pro rata basis. If you work half time you would get half the pension that you would get if you were a full-time worker for that year. Many part-timers will combine years when they work full-time and part-time and you may like to ask your scheme how you will be treated.

For more about part-time pensions go to this part of the OPAS website.