Heineken Discretionary Increase 2016

The latest release of data by the Office of National Statistics showed RPI inflation of 1.9% in the year to July 2016. We are coming up to the time of year when Heineken will make a decision on discretionary increases for pre 1997 S&N pensions. We have written to David Forde, managing director of Heineken UK, emphasising the importance of protecting pre 1997 pensioners against current inflation and our hope that Heineken will make good the historic loss of value resulting from Heineken not following S&N’s historic practice of protecting all pensioners against the effects of inflation (up to 5%) as they said they would do at the time of the takeover.

In past years we would have encouraged as many people as possible to write to Mr Forde in similar terms. However we believe that this year it would be worth not doing so and seeing whether an increase at least in line with inflation is given. If it is not given we would consider how best to respond next year.

British Steel Pension Scheme

The following submission was made by the SNPG  because, while none of the proposed changes would impact on the S&N Pension Plan, the Working Party is of the view that the consultation has been rushed and that any changes to pension legislation should be more carefully set out and more fully consulted upon.

The Government is minded to change pension legislation to help Tata Steel.

 A copy of the consulation paper can be found in the resources section, along with a copy of the SNPG response.

2015 AGM Details here

The 2015 AGM will be held on Friday 18th December at 10:30 am in

The French Institute, 13 Randolph Crescent, Edinburgh, EH3 7TT

The AGM Agenda is available on the RESOURCES page of this website

Member Nominated Trustee

You should by now have received a letter from the Trustee telling you that there is a vacancy for a Member Nominated Trustee and setting out how to apply. If you are interested and think you match most of the skills and qualities being looked for we would encourage you to put your name forward as we think it is very important that the person selected is a pensioner rather than a deferred member. If you would like any support in your application please get in touch with us via the website. Applications must be lodged by 21st November 2014.

THE ANNUAL TRUSTEE REVIEW2013/2014

While the increase of 1.5 %, effective from 1st November is welcome by all. It is very disappointing 

that Heineken have yet again failed to honour the 2008 undertaking to increase pensions in line with 

inflation.