Carrier UK Pension Scheme (PO-20707)

Ombudsman’s Determination

Outcome

Mr Z’s complaint is partly upheld. To put matters right for the part that is upheld, the Trustee shall pay Mr Z’s Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP), backdated to the date he became entitled to his GMP, together with interest at the base rate for the time being quoted by the Bank of England, for the period from when Mr Z became entitled to his GMP to the date of payment, inclusive.

Complaint summary

Mr Z’s complaint is two-fold. His first complaint concerns the loss of pension benefits for the years 1979 to1983, while his employment was contracted-out of the State Earning Related Pension Scheme (SERPS). He believes that he is entitled to a GMP from the Scheme for the period he was contracted-out.

His second complaint concerns the distress and inconvenience he has experienced, while trying to resolve his first complaint. He believes he should be awarded a financial sum for this.