Can my employer change my pension scheme?

Exactly how your pension is allowed to change will be set out in the rules of your scheme. You can usually find this: 

• by logging on to your pension provider’s online account 
• in paperwork you might have received when you signed up, or 
• by contacting your pension provider or employer – you can find pension contact details at GOV.UKOpens in a new window   

If you have a defined contribution scheme (the most common type), changes could include: 

• your employer wanting to: 
  • pay in (contribute) more or less to your pension 
  • change the pension provider 
• your pension provider wanting to change the way they invest your money.  

If you have a defined benefit or final salary scheme, changes might include your employer or scheme trustees wanting to: 

• change the way your pension is calculated (like using a different part of your wages or years of service) 
• stop you building up benefits for a while 
• use a different pension scheme for new members 
• move everyone to a new scheme.  

Before your employer or pension provider can make a change, they must tell you if and how you’re affected.

The benefits you’ve already built up under your scheme’s current rules won’t change, unless you agree.

If you have a workplace pension and you’re still employed, tell your employer your concerns first. You might also have a trade union representative or employee support helpline you could talk to. 

If they can’t resolve the problem, you usually have three years to take your complaint to The Pensions OmbudsmanOpens in a new window to investigate.  

You can also report concerns about your workplace pensionOpens in a new window to The Pensions Regulator. 

For more help, see our guide How to complain about a problem with your pension.