On Monday 16th March, Plymouth in UNISON submitted a formal claim to Livewell Southwest on behalf of hundreds of members who have become increasingly frustrated by their employer’s decision not to request open access to the NHS Pension scheme for all staff delivering NHS Services.
Below we have summarised the key information and the full claim document be accessed here 16 March 2026 Livewell Pension Claim (As Submitted)
Member Summary: NHS Pension Claim (Livewell Southwest)
This is a two-tier pensions fight. Staff doing NHS work deserve the NHS Pension. To win, we need members to back the campaign.
At a glance
- Livewell runs a two-tier pension system — NHS Pension for some, Scottish Widows for many.
- UNISON says this is unfair, unnecessary and is pushing staff towards worse retirement outcomes.
- We are demanding open access so all eligible staff can join the NHS Pension Scheme.
- We also want compensation for pension loss and a fair transition plan.
- Your support matters: this campaign wins when members stand together — sign, share, and get involved.
Background (what’s happened)
Livewell Southwest was formed in 2011 and took on former NHS community services. Staff who transferred kept access to the NHS Pension Scheme, but many staff recruited since have been placed in Scottish Widows instead. Livewell currently operates a closed NHS pension direction (mainly covering those with recent NHSPS membership) — but the claim argues Livewell can choose open access, giving all staff on qualifying NHS contracts the right to join, with notice.
What UNISON is seeking (the claim)
- Open the NHS Pension Scheme to all staff on qualifying NHS contracts.
- Pay back the loss — compensation for excluded staff.
- Protect take-home pay with fair transition arrangements.
- Publish the equality data and fully assess who is being disadvantaged.
- Fix the unfairness — a full audit and a remedy plan.
- Negotiate now — timely, meaningful talks with the Joint Trade Unions.
Why it matters
This is about equal treatment for staff delivering NHS services. Two-tier pensions undermine recruitment, retention and morale — and that hits patient care.
- Fairness: same work should mean the same pension.
- Recruitment & retention: people won’t stay where they lose out long-term.
- Patient services: vacancies and staff turnover result in a loss of skilled staff and damage continuity and safety.
- Respect: staff should not be asked to accept a worse pension than their colleagues out of loyalty to their employer.
Key evidence highlighted in the claim
- Scale: Livewell employs around 2,994 staff; UNISON estimates around 1,450 are in Scottish Widows.
- Momentum: the staff petition has 1,100 signatures — members are ready to act.
- What’s at stake: NHS Pension is defined benefit (secure, salary-based); Scottish Widows is defined contribution (market-based, not guaranteed).
- Employer contributions (as cited): NHSPS 23.7% vs Scottish Widows default starting at 3% (with matching available up to 8%).
Illustrative examples in the claim: 20 years’ service projections show big gaps — e.g. Community Support Worker (£25k salary) would receive an estimated £15,551/year pension with the NHS Scheme vs an estimated £7,879/year on the Scottish Widows scheme; A Podiatrist (£37.8k salary) would receive an estimated £23,513/year pension with the NHS Scheme vs £6,807/year with Scottish Widows (assumptions stated in the full claim).
Equality concerns
Livewell’s own Equality Impact Assessment flags risks across protected characteristics (including age, disability, pregnancy/maternity, race and sex). These cannot be ignored — and strengthen the case for equal access. UNISON is demanding full disclosure of pension membership and workforce data so the real impact is transparent and can be put right.
How you can help win this campaign
Livewell can change course. The pressure that makes it happen is member organisation — visible support, high participation, and a clear message: NHS work deserves the NHS Pension.
- Sign and share the campaign petition and updates — turnout matters. Here is the link http://s.alchemer.eu/s3/796857e0ad5d
Talk to colleagues — help everyone understand this is a two-tier system and we can end it. Attend our workers meeting and encourage colleagues to:
📅 Meeting Date: 31/03/26
🕐 Time: 1:00 pm
💻 Location: Online https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/36396516814712?p=Hi6bfl1XV8IjOox0Fv Meeting ID: 363 965 168 147 12 Passcode: nd29do2p
- Send your story to your UNISON reps edward.jefferis@nhs.net & n.cahill1@nhs.net (recruitment info you were given, impacts on finances/retirement plans, retention concerns). Real examples win arguments.
- Get involved: come to meetings, volunteer as a workplace contact, and encourage non-members to join UNISON so we have the strength to win:
Collective action works when many members are involved, now is the time to be part of it. We are asking you to let us know who would be best to represent the voices from your work area for our next steps.
Complete the form below and we will be in touch: Pension Justice at Livewell Southwest – colleague nomination – Fill out form
