Pensions

Background

Pilots feel the current pension system – including the existing tax relief framework - works. They want stability and fear any changes could undermine the system and put people off saving for their future.

BALPA believes recent changes to the annual and lifetime allowances are already putting higher rate tax payers off saving. Professionals are reducing their pension savings or pulling out of them altogether, a problem that would be accelerated if the Treasury decide to reduce or abolish higher rate tax relief as has been recently mooted.

BALPA Position

The immediate policy aim should be to restore stability and rebuild confidence in the existing pensions system by hitting the pause button on any further pension tax changes and by creating an independent retirement savings commission with a remit to safeguard the future of pensions for all working people in the UK.

BALPA is also working to ensure DC pension schemes are improved as it believes many will not deliver an adequate retirement income.

Pilots are working with other professionals (doctors, dentists, civil servants and senior police officers) to highlight the potential consequences of reducing higher rate tax relief and protect pensions saving (both DB and DC).

Baby on Board reaches its first birthday

We look back at a year of Baby on Board and outline the work that will continue in the year to come.

Monday 17 February 2020

Pilots urge airlines to take up an apprenticeship scheme to help end the scandal of training costs

As part of National Apprenticeship Week (3-7th Feb) BALPA is challenging the Government and airlines to fully implement an apprenticeship scheme for pilots that would help remove financial barriers and open up the career to a more diverse population.

Thursday 06 February 2020

Students? Apprentices? Customers? The challenge in defining what a trainee pilot is

As part of National Apprenticeship Week BALPA is challenging the aviation industry to find ways to roll out pilot apprenticeships (link to release) in a bid to remove the financial barrier to pilot training which puts off those from less affluent backgrounds. In this blog, Head of Membership and Career Services at BALPA, Wendy Pursey examines the challenge.