About Jon Mcewan

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I have been a member of the USDAW trade union since 2001, I'm a shop steward, Health and Safety rep, Union Learning Rep, branch chairman and I'm an USDAW Divisional Councillor in the Midlands division - Elected in 2015. On Wednesday 24th June 2015 I was elected as the Vice Chairman of the USDAW Midlands Divisional Council until 25th May 2016. On Wednesday 31st May 2017 I was elected as the Vice Chairman of the USDAW Midlands Divisional Council until 25th April 2018. I will be using this website to keep you informed of what I will be doing as one of your USDAW Divisional Councillors. I will try to update this website with information about meetings attended, courses attended, conferences attended and any other duties I do as one of your USDAW Divisional Councillors in the Midlands. I will also try to add photos from events that I attend and I will try to post news that members of USDAW might find useful.

Friday, 9 October 2015

USDAW 11th National Pensions conference - Part 2

Morning session continued

Workshop 1 – Debra Blow USDAW 10 point Pension plan

(1)    Find out if your company has a pension scheme
What type of scheme is it?
Do you qualify for auto enrolment?

Advantages of a pension scheme
Employer contributions, government also contributes, tax concessions, additional benefits and retain entitlement if leave employer.

(2)    How much will it cost?
Check the company pension booklet.
What will your employer pay?
Auto enrolment scheme?
What additional benefits are available?

(3)    Should I pay additional voluntary contributions?
Can boost income in retirement
Choice of investment
Low charges

(4)    How much will I get when I retire?
Pension will depend on the amount of contributions you have paid in
How long have you paid contributions
What are the charges on your pension fund

(5)    What has happened to your previous pensions?
Keep all your pension statements and documents especially if you leave an employer and have a frozen pension.

(6)    What choices will I have when I retire?

Up to April 2015
Lump sum and pension or pension only

After April 2015
Entire fund as cash or series of smaller lump sums
Quarter of pension fund as a lump sum plus a regular income ( drawdown ) or a pension

(7)    What happens if I die before I retire?
If your pension fund is in a defined contribution scheme your pension fund will be paid to your beneficiaries along with any death in service benefit your scheme offers.
Ensure you have an up to date nomination form

(8)    Should I have a will?
USDAW offer a free will service.
Having a will makes it easier to know what your wishes are should you die.

(9)    What will my state pension be?
At present this will be £115.95
You can claim at 67
Use the pension forecast forms

(10) How can I avoid pension scams?
      Seek advice from a registered financial advisor before you do anything regarding your pension.
Yes this will cost you a few hundred pounds but its better to be safe than sorry.



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