Royal Mail Statutory Pension Scheme (PO-13594)

Ombudsman’s Determination

Outcome

I do not uphold Mr E’s complaint and no further action is required by Royal Mail.

My reasons for reaching this decision are explained in more detail below.

Complaint summary

Mr E has complained to his former employer, Royal Mail, that in April 2014 he became aware that when he retired in 2006 he could have been awarded ill-health retirement, which would have paid his pension immediately. In 2006, Mr E was awarded a lump sum of £11,728.42 on the grounds he may be able to resume some duties in the future. His pension was therefore deferred to his normal retirement date. Mr E has said that he was not aware of alternative options and, he believes, that to have been assessed properly a medical examination should have been undertaken, which it was not. Mr E has explained that he does not believe that all of his medical conditions could have been taken into consideration.

Mr E has also complained to Royal Mail that he has not received confirmation that an extra 2 years 349 days he purchased as a “service credit” has been included in the recent calculation of his benefits.

Mr E further complained that whilst The Pensions Advisory Service (TPAS) were dealing with his complaint he wrote a letter directly to Royal Mail, and this letter was not responded to.