Pensions
Who operates the pension plan for associates?
We have appointed TPT Retirement Solutions as the provider for the GMC Associate Pension Plan which opened in January 2026. This is a defined contribution scheme that is completely separate from the GMC's staff pension scheme. It also has no connection to NHS pension arrangements.
You can find out more about TPT and how their pension plan works in the Member Guide on the TPT website.
Who is eligible to join the associate worker pension scheme?
You can join the pension scheme if you are:
- Currently contracted in a worker role, and
- Under the age of 75
Please note that 75 is the age limit for joining, but members who join the scheme before turning 75 can continue contributing after that milestone if wished.
If you're a worker and you haven't received an invite to the pension scheme, please let us know by emailing AssociatePensions@gmc-uk.org.
If you wish to join the scheme, we will ask you to provide some additional personal details needed for enrolment. Once this has been received, we will share this with TPT Retirement Solutions and they will be in touch directly.
Please note we need to wait for TPT to set up your account before we can begin paying in contributions. This means that your initial balance will show as zero for a short time.
Can I opt out of pension contributions?
Yes, you just need to tell us. Associates who were already under contract at the time the scheme opened haven't been automatically enrolled because we don't hold all necessary personal information in our records. Instead, we have asked you to tell us if and when you do want to join.
In future, new associates will be auto-enrolled in the pension scheme before they start work unless they tell us they want to opt out.
If I opt in, when will my pension contributions start?
Once you are enrolled in the pension plan, we'll start making ongoing contributions on your behalf from the following month. We'll take your 5% contribution out of your monthly holiday pay amount and add a 3% contribution from the GMC. Further contributions will then be made in every future month during which you receive qualifying fee and holiday payments.
Contributions are calculated as a percentage of fees plus holiday pay. For example, if you are paid £1,000 in qualifying fees during the month, your total pensionable earnings would be £1,120.70 (holiday rate is 12.07%). If you're in the pension scheme, your 5% contribution would therefore be £56.04 and the GMC's 3% contribution £33.62, making a total contribution of £89.66 to your pension pot that month. Your net monthly holiday pay would be £64.66 (£120.70 - £56.04).
Am I entitled to historic pension contributions?
Associates who enrol in the pension plan can request back contributions linked to historic earnings, provided they pay their own contributions alongside those of the GMC. This entitlement covers fees received back to November 2013, because that is the date on which auto-enrolment was introduced for the GMC.
If you're interested in making and receiving historic pension contributions, please email AssociatePensions@gmc-uk.org to ask for a personal calculation. You can do this at any time, although, for ease of administration, we prefer requests to be made as soon as possible after joining the scheme.
What are the pension contribution rates?
Pension contributions are made up of a worker element and an employer element. The GMC will make its contribution for periods where you make your own contribution - this applies to both historic and ongoing contributions.
The relevant rates have changed over the years, as shown in this table:
| Tax year | Employer contribution | Worker contribution | Total minimum contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019/20 onwards | 3% | 5% | 8% |
| 2018/19 | 2% | 3% | 5% |
| 2017/18 and previous | 1% | 1% | 2% |
Can I receive the GMC pension contribution without having to put anything in myself?
No. Historic contributions must total at least the minimum levels shown in the table above - 2%-8% of earnings, depending on the relevant tax year. The GMC will pay its contribution - 1%-3% - but associates must agree to and make payment of their worker contributions - 1%-5% of earnings - depending on the year.
Can you pay my contributions into a different pension scheme?
No. Our pension scheme meets the requirements to be a qualifying workplace pension scheme for auto-enrolment purposes, so both your contributions and our employer contributions will be paid into this scheme. We’re unable to pay contributions to a different pension plan, but you may have the option to transfer your pension pot from our pension scheme into another approved pension scheme of your choice at a future date.
Will I get tax relief on my pension contributions?
Depending on your personal circumstances you may be able to claim tax relief via your self-assessment return. Neither the GMC nor TPT will claim tax relief on your behalf because we don't treat associates as employees and so don't deduct tax from your fees before payment. You should seek your own advice on how to record pension contributions on your tax return.
Can I wait and join the pension scheme at a later date?
You can choose to join or leave the scheme at any point. You can choose to re-join the plan at a future date if you opt out now and you can cease your membership of the plan at any time.
Can I make an increased member pension contribution to the pension plan?
You will have the opportunity to pay an additional amount by contacting the pension plan provider directly. However, please note that the GMC’s pension contribution rate will remain at 3% and will not increase in line with any additional contribution you make.
When can I start drawing benefits from the scheme and what options will I have?
You can usually start using your pension pot to provide your pension benefits from age 55, rising to 57 from 6 April 2028. You can use your pension pot to provide retirement benefits in several ways, including:
- taking your pension savings in one go
- taking your money in chunks, a bit at a time
- taking a regular income
- taking tax free cash and invest the rest
You can find further information on the scheme resources page of TPT’s website.
