Pension boost for public sector workers who volunteer

Public servants, including doctors, nurses, police and teachers, will now have pension contributions made when they volunteer to help poor and disadvantaged people in developing countries.

Until now they have missed out on pension contributions when they volunteered, but a new commitment from the Government means that these gaps will be covered when someone volunteers abroad.

The new fund is supported by the Dept of Health, Dept for International Development and Dept for Children schools and Families and it will be used to encourage people who wish to volunteer overseas. It will be available to volunteers leaving the UK between April this year and March 2011 for periods of volunteering of between seven and 24 months.

There will be no cost to the employer or individual and the scheme is open to any member of a UK public sector pension scheme, including NHS workers, teachers, civil servants, the armed services, fire fighters, local government services, the judiciary and parliamentarians.

www.dfid.gov.uk