Occupational Pension Scheme Disputes

Occupational pension schemes are a minefield for disputes, which is not helped by the fact that the rules are different from scheme to scheme and have often been revised countless times to take account of changes in legislation or in the sponsoring employer's company structure.

We have the knowledge and experience to provide confident advice and creative solutions, using internal dispute resolution schemes, the Pensions Ombudsman and the courts as appropriate. Examples include:

• Disputes relating to HMRC limits on benefits, notably arising from promises by the sponsoring employer or the trustees which exceed the maximum benefits available;
• SSAS (Small Self-Administered Scheme) disputes, including disputes arising from the refusal of trustees to transfer benefits due to alleged fraud/negligence by members, and disputes arising from unauthorised company loans;
• Disputes concerning transfer values;
• Disputes concerning GMP, AVC and FSAVC benefits;
• Disputes concerning actuarial reductions on early retirement;
• Disputes concerning ill-health retirement;
• Disputes arising from negligent record-keeping by trustees and administrators;
• Disputes arising from the involvement of The Pension Protection Fund