Previously the accrual rate was 1/80^th with a PCLS at 3/80^th per year of service and the PCLS was not optional.

Now it is based on a CARE (Career Average Revalued Earnings) system. It works as follows:

• The accrual rate differs – The NHS is on 1/54^th, the Civil Service is 2.32% but the Teacher’s Pension is 1/57^th
• Benefit revaluation differs – The NHS is on CPI + 1.5%, the Civil Service is on CPI but the Teacher’s Pension is on CPI + 1.6%
• Payments increase in line with CPI and benefits earned by leaves increase by the same amount
• NTA will increase in line with the SPA increase