johnowhiskyx - post 126
Apologies for going a little off thread, but I must correct you to the fact that Civil Service Pensions are free, they are not, it is little publicised but staff do make contributions, and there are 3 schemes operating, Classic, Classic Plus and Premium, and depending which scheme you are in determines what you pay in contributions.
Most Civil Servants around the country are youngsters not earning much more than £15K gross, and some not even that, they don't receive any perks, and have much the same difficulties to deal with each day as anyone else who has 'customers'.
Sorry to intrude on this thread, but having read a few references to free pensions in this debate, thought it time to enlighten - some of us were stupid enough to try and enhance our civil service pension by way of equitable life!!!!
Thank you for your indulgence.