Matthews remedy

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

This exclusion was challenged in the courts by a firefighter called Mr Matthews, 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 1 April 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 up pension in the firefighters’ pension scheme 2006 (special) section. 

You can purchase any continuous retained service from the date you started employment as a retained firefighter through to the earlier of: 

• The date that you left retained service,
• The date you joined the pension scheme (firefighters’ pension scheme 2006 or firefighters’ pension scheme 2006 (special)),
• or 31 March 2015

If you have already joined the pension scheme, you may have additional options regarding your 2006 scheme service. In some cases, you may be able to convert service from one type of membership to another. If this applies to you, your fire authority will provide further information about the options available.

If a firefighter dies before they have the opportunity to join the scheme or buy extra pension service, their spouse, civil partner or child may be entitled to a death grant. 

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