NEWS STORY : Surgery Manager Deducted Staff Pension Contributions but Failed to Pay into NHS Scheme
STORY
A former surgery manager has been found to have deducted pension contributions from staff wages without forwarding the funds to the NHS Pension Scheme, according to a recent press release from the Department of Health and Social Care. The individual, whose identity has not been disclosed, was responsible for managing payroll at a general practice in England.
An investigation revealed that over a period of 18 months, the manager withheld a total of £45,000 from employees’ salaries, representing both employee and employer pension contributions. However, these funds were never remitted to the NHS Pension Scheme, leaving staff without the expected additions to their pension pots.
The discrepancy came to light during an internal audit prompted by staff inquiries about their pension statements. Subsequent legal proceedings resulted in the manager being convicted of fraud and sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years, along with 200 hours of community service. Health Minister Dr. Jane Smith commented on the case, stating, “This breach of trust is deeply concerning. NHS staff dedicate their lives to caring for others, and they deserve the utmost integrity from those managing their financial affairs.”
The Department of Health and Social Care has emphasised the importance of robust financial oversight within NHS practices. Measures are being implemented to prevent similar incidents, including mandatory quarterly audits and enhanced training for payroll staff. Staff affected by the misconduct have been assured that their pension records will be corrected, with the missing contributions being restored through a combination of recovered funds and government support.
