Pensions are an important part of any employee's compensation package, so make sure you are on top of your own situation.
For those working within the NHS in England and Wales, the NHS Employers website has a dedicated pensions section. It is also worth visiting the NHS Business Services Authority website which has both member and employer hubs.
Information on the NHS pension schemes in Scotland and Northern Ireland are available on their respective government websites
Flexible and partial retirement
Changes to the NHS pension scheme in 2023 allowed more flexibility into retirement, with changes brought in for all four UK nations.
See new options for:
These schemes also affect CSP members with Special Class Status.
Special Class Status allows some CSP members to retire at 55, rather than 60. It was removed from the pension scheme in 1995, so it only affects a relatively small number of CSP members.
Special Class Status applies to physiotherapists who were members of the NHS Pension Scheme before 6 March 1995. You can keep the status until retirement if you:
- continue membership in qualifying employment
- do not have a break in membership of 5 years or more.
If you are in this group it is worth checking the NHS pensions guidance in the above links.
You can also talk to us. While the CSP cannot give financial advice, we can assist with general queries about the pension scheme.
The Isle of Man and the Channel Islands have separate occupational schemes. Members should contact the relevant scheme to make enquiries.