Frequently asked questions

We know you may have questions, so we’ve answered some common ones below to help you understand the proposed changes.

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If you have questions that aren’t covered here, you can send us your question using the form below. We’ll update the FAQs periodically during the consultation based on the questions we receive.

1.01. Do the proposed changes apply to everyone?

The proposed changes apply to all colleagues who are currently building up benefits in the Scheme (often called “Active members”). As at the start of the consultation period, there are around 350 Active members.

The proposal relates to future benefits only. The benefits you have already built up in the Scheme as at 7 April 2027 would remain in the Scheme.

Members who have already left employment with the Company (and who therefore are not currently building up benefits) and retired members (i.e. those already in receipt of their Scheme pension) aren’t affected by the proposal.

1.02. How does this change relate to what other companies are doing?

Many UK employers have moved away from defined benefit (DB) pension schemes over time. Across the private sector, many DB schemes have already closed to future build-up of benefits. According to the Pensions Regulator, around 75% of private sector DB schemes in the UK were already closed to future build-up of benefits in 2025.

1.03. Were other options considered?

The Company has investigated alternative options with the help of its expert advisers. After careful consideration, it was decided that this proposal best achieves the Company’s aims of increasing consistency for UK colleagues and providing a competitive benefits package.

1.04. When would the proposed changes take effect?

If the proposal goes ahead, the Scheme would close to future build-up of benefits on 7 April 2027. Future pension savings would be through the Pernod Ricard - UK DC Pension Plan and you would be enrolled as an Active member of the DC Plan with effect from 8 April 2027 onwards.

2.01. How might this affect the overall pension benefits I receive?

The impact will depend on things like:

  • Your age
  • Your pay
  • How long you’ve been in the Scheme
  • How much is paid into the DC Plan in the future
  • Investment performance in the DC Plan
  • When and how you take your benefits

During the consultation, the Company will provide information to support you with understanding what the proposal means. If you want to understand more about how you might be affected personally, the one-to-one sessions available will be able to help you with this. A personal illustration of your benefits built up in the Scheme at the proposed closure date will be available on Aptia OneView to download before your one-to-one session.

2.02. What happens to my pension benefits if I die?

If the proposal goes ahead, death benefits may be payable from:

  • the Scheme (based on the benefits you have already built up as at 7 April 2027); and
  • the DC Plan (based on the pension savings you build up in future).

The exact benefits depend on your circumstances and the rules of the Scheme and the DC Plan. Further details are available in your consultation pack.

2.03. Can I still take early retirement from the Scheme?

In many DB schemes, you can take benefits early, but your pension is usually reduced because it’s expected to be paid for longer.

Your options will depend on the Scheme Rules and legislation at the time you retire. You don’t always have to take DB and DC benefits at the same time. More information on this is available in your consultation pack.

3.01. How long does the consultation period last?

The consultation period will begin on 8 October and will last for 60 days, ending on 7 December 2026.

3.02. What happens during the consultation period?

During the consultation, the Company will explain the proposed changes and give you the opportunity to ask questions and share your views. This includes:

  • Written information (your consultation pack – overview letter and supporting guide);
  • An online consultation presentation provided by senior representatives from the Company. Replays of the live presentation were also offered to accommodate different shift patterns;
  • Access to an individual one-to-one guidance session with a pension expert; and
  • Periodic updates to the FAQs.

3.03. What happens if the proposal goes ahead?

If the proposal goes ahead, you’ll stop building up benefits in the Scheme on 7 April 2027.

On that date you’ll become a “Deferred member” of the Scheme (this is the term used when you have built up benefits in a pension scheme but are no longer building up new/future benefits in it).

From 8 April 2027, you’ll start to build up future pension savings through a DC pension arrangement instead, called the Pernod Ricard - UK DC Pension Plan ("the DC Plan"). This is a Master Trust pension arrangement provided by Standard Life. Full details of the DC Plan, including contribution rates and investment options, are on their website.

Your benefits built up as at 7 April 2027 will remain in the Scheme. They will still be available at retirement, and benefits may also be payable if you die (in line with the Scheme Rules). You will also usually have the option to transfer your benefits out of the Scheme to another pension arrangement if you wish, subject to the Scheme Rules and legislation at the time.

3.04. How will the Company support me through the consultation process?

The Company has sent you a consultation pack, including an overview letter and proposal guide, and you can ask questions here on the website. Your questions are anonymous, and we’ll post regular updates during the consultation period on this page.

There was an initial online group consultation presentation and replays offered to those unable to attend, to accommodate different shift patterns. You can also book a one-to-one session for additional guidance.

3.05. What is the Trustee’s role in the proposal?

The Trustee’s role is to look after the Scheme and help ensure the pension benefits that members have built up are secure and paid in line with the Scheme Rules.

The Company is responsible for deciding what pension benefits it offers colleagues for the future. Please direct any comments and questions about the proposal to the Company via the form on this page, rather than to the Trustee or the Scheme administrator.

4.01. How does a DC pension arrangement differ from the Scheme?

The Scheme is a defined benefit (DB) scheme. This means the pension you build up is based on a formula set out in the Scheme Rules (for example, linked to Pensionable Salary and Pensionable Service).

A DC pension arrangement works differently:

  • You and the Company pay contributions into an individual pension account and that money is invested
  • The value of your account at retirement depends on how much you and the Company pay in and how your chosen investments perform over time
  • At retirement, you normally have more choice about how to take your pension savings (subject to tax rules at the time)

4.02. What are the key things to think about with the DC Plan?

If the proposal goes ahead, the main things to consider are:

  • How much to pay in (what you can afford and how much you want in retirement)
  • How your money is invested (your attitude to risk and the time you have left until retirement)
  • Checking in regularly (regularly reviewing contributions and investments)

Further information will be provided if the Company decides to go ahead with the proposal.

4.03. Would I pay the same amount into the DC Plan as I do into the Scheme (DB pension)?

Not always. Your DC Plan contributions are based on your Pensionable Salary, and this may be worked out differently from the Pensionable Salary in the Scheme (DB pension). This means that, even if you choose the same contribution rate, the amount taken from your pay could be higher or lower.

4.04. What if I don’t want to join the DC Plan – can I opt out?

Yes, you can opt out of the DC Plan if you wish. If the proposal goes ahead, you would be automatically enrolled at the minimum contribution level of 5%, which would result in a corresponding Company contribution of 10%.

You could choose to contribute more. For example, by choosing to contribute 8%, you would receive the maximum Company contribution of 13%, giving you a total combined contribution of 21%.

You could choose to contribute even more than 8%, but if you do so, the Company contribution would not go above 13%. You could increase your contribution – but the Company’s maximum 13% matching contribution would not change.

If, however, you wish to opt out of the DC Plan, you would need to do so by informing the HR department of your decision via hrhubscotland@pernod-ricard.com.

4.05. Will SMART Pensions still be used when making your contributions to the DC Plan?

Yes, SMART Pensions (also known as Salary Exchange or Salary Sacrifice) is the default method of paying contributions, provided you meet the necessary eligibility requirements.

Under SMART Pensions, your contributions are taken from your salary before income tax and National Insurance (NI) contributions are calculated. This reduces the amount of NI payable by both you and the Company, making pension saving more efficient.

Unless you choose to opt out of SMART Pensions, your contributions to the DC Plan would be made by this method, as they are currently in the Scheme.

4.06. How can I find out more about the DC Plan?

The Company’s DC arrangement, offered to new colleagues since 6 April 2009, is the Pernod Ricard - UK DC Pension Plan.

If the proposal goes ahead, further details will be provided before the changes take effect.

5.01. Will my National Insurance contributions continue to count towards the State Pension?

Yes. This proposal does not impact your eligibility for the State Pension, or the amount you would be entitled to from the Government at retirement.

You would continue to pay full rates of National Insurance as a member of the DC Plan, albeit there would continue to be some National Insurance savings for both you and the Company assuming your pension contributions to the DC Plan are paid through the Company’s Pension Salary Exchange scheme (SMART Pensions).

This is an arrangement offered whereby your member contributions are paid by the Company on your behalf and there is a corresponding reduction in your salary – this means you pay less National Insurance.

5.02. How much State Pension will I receive?

You can check your State Pension forecast at gov.uk/check-state-pension

Your State Pension depends on your National Insurance record across your working life, and on the Government rules at the time you reach State Pension Age.

6.01. Where do I go if I have further questions?

If your question isn’t answered in the consultation pack, in these FAQs, or in the consultation presentation or one-to-one session, you can submit your question to the Company on this website.

6.02. Where can I find details of my current pension benefits in the Scheme?

You can find a summary of the benefits you’re currently entitled to in your section specific member guide here.

You will have an updated annual benefit statement showing your projected benefits in the Scheme at retirement, and a deferred statement illustrating your estimated retirement benefits based on what you’ve built up in the Scheme, up to the proposed closure date. You can access both statements by logging into your Aptia OneView account.

If you have any specific questions about your individual pension benefits in the Scheme, you should contact the Scheme administrator, Aptia, by going to pensionuk.aptia-group.com

6.03. Where can I get advice about my pension?

Neither the Company, the Trustee, nor the Scheme administrator can give you personal financial advice.

The consultation presentation should help you understand the proposal. The one-to-one sessions provide guidance, not financial advice. They can explain the proposal, the consultation process, and your pension options in general, but they can’t recommend what you should do or what’s best for you personally.

If you want a personal recommendation, you’ll need to speak to an FCA-regulated financial adviser. You can find your own adviser by visiting moneyhelper.org.uk/financial-adviser

You will need to pay for any financial advice you choose to take. Make sure you check costs and the adviser’s experience before appointing them.

6.04. Where can I get more information about pensions in general?

  • Money & Pensions Service: The Money & Pensions Service is available at any time to give you free information and guidance on pensions, visit maps.org.uk
  • MoneyHelper: A free, government-backed service offering impartial help on all aspects of money, including benefits, savings, budgeting and pension choices. It includes Pension Wise, which offers free, impartial guidance on retirement options for people aged 50 and over. Visit moneyhelper.org.uk to find out more.
  • Gov.uk: The Government’s official website, where you can find out about everything relating to tax, pensions and the State Pension. Visit gov.uk
  • Department for Work and Pensions (DWP): DWP’s website outlines government initiatives and information about retirement and pension benefits, including full details of the State Pension scheme. Visit gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions
  • Citizens Advice: Provides free, independent advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities, and also offers free, impartial pensions guidance. Visit citizensadvice.org.uk
  • The Pensions Regulator: The Pensions Regulator is the body that regulates work-based pension schemes. The Pensions Regulator has no formal role in the consultation process but it can take action if employers don’t comply with the law when proposing changes like this. While every effort has been taken to ensure the consultation is run in compliance with the law, you can contact the Pensions Regulator if you have any concerns about it. Visit thepensionsregulator.gov.uk to find out more.

Submit your questions

If you have a question that isn’t answered here or elsewhere, please send it to us using the form below – we’ll update this page regularly during the consultation.

Get in touch

If you have any questions about the proposed changes, please submit your query here.

Log in to OneView

You can access details about your pension benefits with the Scheme by logging into your Aptia OneView account.

Contact Aptia

If you have any specific questions about your individual pension benefits in the Scheme, get in touch with Aptia via pensionuk.aptia-group.com

Important note

This site content is not intended to be a legal promise to members, as it is only a summary of the proposed changes to benefits in the Scheme.

If there is any conflict between these details and the Scheme Rules, the Scheme Rules (as amended from time to time) will be overriding. If you want to see a copy of the Scheme Rules or have any questions concerning the contents of this document, please contact the Scheme Secretary, James Melsa via james.melsa@mercer.com

Access to more pension resources

Money & Pensions Service

The Money & Pensions Service is available at any time to give you free information and guidance on pensions, visit maps.org.uk

MoneyHelper

A free, Government-backed service offering impartial help on all aspects of money, including benefits, savings, budgeting and pension choices. It includes Pension Wise, which offers free, impartial guidance on retirement options in DC arrangements for people aged 50 and over. Visit moneyhelper.org.uk to find out more.

Gov.uk

The Government’s official website, where you can find out about everything relating to tax, pensions and the State Pension. Visit gov.uk

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

DWP’s website outlines government initiatives and information about retirement and pension benefits, including full details of the State Pension scheme. Visit gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions

Citizens Advice

Provides free, independent advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities, and also offers free, impartial pensions guidance. Visit citizensadvice.org.uk

The Pensions Regulator

The Pensions Regulator is the body that regulates work-based pension schemes. The Pensions Regulator has no formal role in the consultation process but it can take action if employers don’t comply with the law when proposing changes like this.

While every effort has been taken to ensure the consultation is run in compliance with the law, you can contact the Pensions Regulator if you have any concerns about it.

The Pensions Regulator’s contact details can be found on their website here:

thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/en/contact-us

Get in touch

If you have any questions about the proposed changes, please submit your query here.

Log in to OneView

You can access details about your pension benefits with the Scheme by logging into your Aptia OneView account.

Contact Aptia

If you have any specific questions about your individual pension benefits in the Scheme, get in touch with Aptia via pensionuk.aptia-group.com

Important note

This site content is not intended to be a legal promise to members, as it is only a summary of the proposed changes to benefits in the Scheme.

If there is any conflict between these details and the Scheme Rules, the Scheme Rules (as amended from time to time) will be overriding. If you want to see a copy of the Scheme Rules or have any questions concerning the contents of this document, please contact the Scheme Secretary, James Melsa via james.melsa@mercer.com

Access to more pension resources

Money & Pensions Service

The Money & Pensions Service is available at any time to give you free information and guidance on pensions, visit maps.org.uk

MoneyHelper

A free, Government-backed service offering impartial help on all aspects of money, including benefits, savings, budgeting and pension choices. It includes Pension Wise, which offers free, impartial guidance on retirement options in DC arrangements for people aged 50 and over. Visit moneyhelper.org.uk to find out more.

Gov.uk

The Government’s official website, where you can find out about everything relating to tax, pensions and the State Pension. Visit gov.uk

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

DWP’s website outlines government initiatives and information about retirement and pension benefits, including full details of the State Pension scheme. Visit gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions

Citizens Advice

Provides free, independent advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities, and also offers free, impartial pensions guidance. Visit citizensadvice.org.uk

The Pensions Regulator

The Pensions Regulator is the body that regulates work-based pension schemes. The Pensions Regulator has no formal role in the consultation process but it can take action if employers don’t comply with the law when proposing changes like this.

While every effort has been taken to ensure the consultation is run in compliance with the law, you can contact the Pensions Regulator if you have any concerns about it.

The Pensions Regulator’s contact details can be found on their website here:

thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/en/contact-us