Operational updates
For action
New Contributions interface and worked examples
The contributions interface on the STU upload page of the employer portal has been updated to reflect the contributions changes effective from 1 October 2019. We provided an updated specification with the confirmation of the rate changes on 13 September 2019.
The changes do not alter the format of the interface files or include any additional data items.
Updated worked examples, reflecting the new contribution rates are also available from the employer portal. The worked examples include a range of scenarios including backdated salaries, VTE members and maternity absence.
If you complete the interfaces manually each month please download the updated interface templates.
Confirmation of AMS distribution
On 14 October 2019 we sent a request to pensions contacts asking for confirmation that you’ve distributed the annual member statements, because they contain important statutory information. If you haven’t already, please take a moment to click the link. We’ll be sending a reminder to every institution who hasn’t been able to confirm during week commencing 28 October 2019.
Disclosure requirements for all new starters
When you have new starters at your institution joining USS please direct them to Your guide to the Universities Superannuation Scheme within one month of joining. They’ll need the Guide even when they are joining you directly from another USS participating employer where they are already a member.
The guide provides a wealth of useful information for new starters, as well as the information that we are required to provide under the disclosure regulations. You can find it, along with other resources for new joiners, from the Joining the Scheme section of the USS website. It’s also available from the Employer resources hub on the employer portal.
Membership certificates
Please do not distribute any membership certificates produced between 1 October 2019 and 16 October 2019. If possible please recall any membership certificates that you may have issued that were produced during this period.
We regret that there is an error on these certificates. It has now been corrected and you will be able to distribute any membership certificates produced from 17 October 2019.
We will let you know when corrected versions of the affected membership certificates will be available. Please accept our apologies for the inconvenience.
For information
GMP Equalisation
We’ve updated our online article about Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP) equalisation for members who accrued service between 17 May 1990 and 5 April 1997.
If you have any queries please contact pensionspolicy@uss.co.uk.
Pensions Operations introduce telephone feedback
You may have noticed that when you call our Pensions Operations team numbers we have introduced a short survey. We’re asking callers one important question: “How satisfied are you with the service you received today?”. We’ll be using this information across the department to help us improve the service that we provide and, in time, it will become one of our key service measures.