01 June 2006
A Pro Bono mediation scheme has been set up by The Pensions
Advisory Service and the Association of Pension Lawyers following a
successful pilot.
The service allows individuals to have their complaints dealt
with by an independent mediator. All issues are discussed with the
relevant parties to see if there is a solution available without
the need for litigation.
Most of the cases in the pilot scheme thrashed out a
settlement.
TPAS chief executive Malcolm McLean thanked the mediators for
giving their time and expertise free. He added: "In the normal
course of our work TPAS advisers resolve over 80pc of the cases
referred to them. This scheme, however, adds a new dimension, and
is clearly a valuable addition to the level and scope of the
service available".
Pinsent Masons head of pensions litigation Isabel Nurse-Marsh,
on behalf of the APL, said: "The APL is keen to promote the use of
mediation for pension disputes. Mediation offers a quick and less
adversarial way of finding a solution."
