Fri, 25 Jul 2025

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 Thousands of retained firefighters owed pensions, union says

More than 10,000 former firefighters could be missing out thousands of pounds pension payments, their union says.

* Over 10,000 former retained firefighters in the UK may be missing out on pension payments worth thousands or even over £100,000.
* Retained firefighters are usually based in rural areas and answer emergency calls while working a normal job. They were previously not entitled to a pension but now are following two recent legal rulings.
* Those who served as retained firefighters between April 2000 and April 2006 may be eligible for backdated pensions covering their entire career, not just the six years after the rulings.
* Firefighters must "buy back" their pension contributions, which can be deducted from any final payment they're owed.
* The amount of money each person is entitled to depends on factors such as length of service, station activity level and rank achieved.
* So far, about 16,000 people have made claims, with many receiving lump sums and ongoing monthly payments. But the union estimates that at least 10,000 more are eligible but haven't claimed yet.
* The Fire and Rescue Services Association (FRSA) is urging those who may be eligible to contact their old employers or message the union for help and advice.
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