Unmarried partners of NHS staff who have died will now be able to claim survivor benefits even if they were not formally nominated by their partner, the NHS Business Service Authority (BSA), which administers the NHS pension schemes, announced in September.
The move follows the ruling by the Supreme Court in February that the previous policy, introduced in April 2008, of only paying survivor benefits to partners who had been formally nominated was unlawful. People affected by the ruling would receive backdated payments, the BSA said.
A BSA spokesman said: “The implications of this ruling have been considered independently by the public-sector pension schemes and we as the NHS pension scheme have decided to change our processes with immediate effect.”
He said the authority would be contacting NHS employers for help in identifying claims for survivor benefits that were rejected as well as people who may have been deterred from claiming under the old rules.
Although no longer a requirement, members with unmarried partners are still encouraged to nominate them, as claimants will still have to provide evidence of their relationship in order to claim survivor benefits.
If you’d like to read more from MiP, sign up to receive our free monthly emails – we’ll keep you up to date on news and events in health and care management
If you’re facing discrimination at work, MiP is there to support you with expert advice and representation. Jo Seery and Helen Carr explain how to build your case and get the best result for you and your colleagues.
With constant upheaval in the health service, new mothers working for the NHS are often anxious about going back to work. Jo Seery explains the rights women have when returning after maternity leave.
Disabled managers often feel more at risk of losing their jobs during organisational change, despite legal protection under equality legislation. Jo Seery looks at the obligations on employers and explains what to do if you’ve been treated unfairly.
Meet Your Reps: Prince Obike works at the forefront of change in the NHS while supporting MiP members as a union MiP rep and National Committee member. He talks to us about his incredibly varied career and the real value of management jobs.
Workers from overseas have been part of the health and care family since the NHS began. They are valued and respected colleagues who face many extra challenges in the workplace and beyond. Katia Widlak offers her tips on recruiting, supporting, and retaining your migrant workforce.
Before taking any disciplinary action, your employer must carry out a fair investigation into the allegations against you. We explain your legal rights and what employers must to do to ensure a investigation is above board.
In the first part of our guide, we explained why your contract of employment matters. In this second part of the series, Jo Seery explains some of the key clauses and what to look out for when you check your contract.
In the first of a two-part guide, employment lawyer Jo Seery explains the key principles behind employment contracts and why it’s important to check your contract carefully.
Are you putting off thinking about your pension because you don’t know where to start? Follow these simple tips to put yourself in the picture and start making some informed decisions.
With many NHS managers are working longer hours with fewer breaks than ever before, here’s our quick summary of your working time rights during the pandemic (and after).
NHS publishes new Staff Standards and a framework for managers which aims to improve staff experience and working conditions.
MiP Chief Executive Jon Restell warns MPs that NHS reforms are at risk if the management capacity needed to make them happen is cut.
MiP says Health Secretary James Murray was right to recognise the innovation and creativity in the NHS, but the very people who drive it are the ones who are losing their jobs.
Managers in Partnership is the only dedicated union to managers working in healthcare. We understand the value you add to healthcare services. We will always support you and champion your work. Sign up today and stand alongside thousands of your peers.
