Matthews remedy

Before 6 April 2006, retained firefighters (part-time/on-call) were excluded from joining the firefighters’ pension scheme. 

This exclusion was challenged and changes were made which allowed those firefighters who were originally excluded to buy back service to cover this period. Bringing their pension options in line with full-time workers.

There have been two phases to the exercise. The initial options exercise finished in September 2015. The second phase will run until 31 March 2027.

If, in the first phase, you did not purchase your service from 1 July 2000 to 5 April 2006 but are now eligible for the second exercise, you have a further opportunity to purchase this service.

Eligible members have the option to buy pension for the period that they were unable to join the pension scheme. Members who select to do this will build pension in the firefighters’ pension scheme 2006 (special) section. 

You can purchase service from the date you started employment as a retained firefighter through to either: 

• The date that you left retained service, up to 31 March 2015.
• The date you joined the pension scheme (firefighters’ pension scheme 2006 or firefighters’ pension scheme 2006 (special)).
• If you had a break in service, the date when the break started.
• If you then recommence retained employment before 30 June 2000 then you can also purchase this period, as a separate period of service.

You can find out full details about how pension is calculated in the firefighters’ pension scheme 2006 (special) of the website.