EPN637 - Update on cessation of easements

Date posted: 27/08/2021

Audience 

• Pension leads
• HR directors
• HR managers
• Payroll managers
• Exit/Redundancy managers

Summary

This is an update to EPN636 - Cessation of easements date confirmed.

• Following feedback from employers, the Scheme Manager has provided further guidance on lockdown restrictions across the UK
• Easements will no longer end on 31 August
• All easements set out in EPN602 will remain in place to support employers move to hybrid working
• This position will be reviewed by 31 October 2021

Actions

No action is required by members or employers at this time. The revised processes introduced as part of the easements, will continue as they have been since April 2020.

Timing

Immediate

Detail

The easements were rapidly introduced as a temporary solution in response to the unique and unprecedented circumstances of March 2020. They were designed to allow members and employers to continue to transact with the Scheme Administrator during lockdown. 

Since lockdown restrictions have been eased, the Scheme Manager has started reviewing the easements to determine when and how to return to pre-April 2020 arrangements. Following the release of EPN 636, feedback from employers has been considered at a senior level and the position of the Scheme Manager in relation to ending easements on 31 August has been revised to assist in employers return to office and hybrid ways of working. 

The Scheme Manager will therefore keep the current easements in place and undertake a further review of this position by 31 October 2021. 

In parallel, there is a broad programme of work underway for the Scheme Administrator (MyCSP) to introduce digital-first solutions for both members and employers. Some of this activity will support permanent, secure and robust provision of digital services to replace paper-based processes in the long-term.

No action is required, this is for information only.

Timing

We will undertake a further review by 31 October 2021 in line with EPN632.

Contacts

If you have any questions on the ending of easements please contact cspsemployerenquiries@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.

If you have a question about the distribution of EPNs, or would like to receive them in a different format, please contact EPN@MyCSP.co.uk.

You can find electronic copies of the Employer Pension Guide, all current EPNs and forms in the Employer section of the Civil Service Pensions website.

This notice is for employers and should not be issued to scheme members.

Members can find information about their pension by visiting the member's section.