Occupational pensions
Occupational pensions are, broadly speaking, pensions established by an employer for employees (as distinct from ones provided by the State through the social security system).
They are not covered by the Employment Equality Act 1998-2011, and are covered instead by Part VII of the Pensions Act 1990 as amended by the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004,
Since 5th April 2004
With effect from 5th April 2004, it is unlawful to discriminate directly or indirectly in relation to occupational pensions on any of the nine protected grounds (gender, civil status, family status, race, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or membership of the Traveller community.)
All claims of discrimination in occupational pensions occurring on or after that date are made to the Equality Tribunal, which may refer to the Pensions Board if it so wishes for technical advice on pension matters.
Making or replying to a claim
If you wish to make or reply to a claim of discrimination in occupational pensions, further information on procedures is available in the Tribunal's Guide to Procedures.A single complaint form Link to Single Complaint Form can be used to make a complaint under the Pensions Acts.
The Complaint Form should then be forwarded to:
Workplace Relations Customer Service,
Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation,
O'Brien Road,
Carlow
Disclaimer
The information set out above is intended only as an accessible summary of the relevant statutory provisions for general information, and should not be relied upon as a statement of the law nor as a source of legal or other advice. It is not intended to be exhaustive, nor to provide a legal interpretation of the Acts. The Equality Tribunal accept no liability for the consequences of any error, defect, inaccuracy or omission of any kind.