About the Scheme
The Construction Workers' Pension Scheme (CWPS), is a multi-employer occupational pension scheme providing pensions solutions for workers in the construction and related industries, at a low cost to members and employers. It allows employers to provide valuable benefits to their employees easily, at a low cost. Employers can register all Specified Workers detailed under all SEOs from age 15, but under age 70 who are directly employed by the company.
With c60,000 active members supported by over 3,000 open employers, the Construction Workers' Pension Scheme is one of the largest private sector pension schemes in Ireland.
Membership of CWPS also satisfies the conditions of the current Sectoral Employment Order (Construction Sector) 2023, in respect of pension, Sick Pay and Death in Service benefit for all workers registered with CWPS.
Sectoral Employment Orders
There are currently two Sectoral Employment Orders (SEOs), in place. These are:
These SEOs set out legal requirements for employers in the sectors listed above to provide pension, sick pay and death in service for specified workers in the industry.
Employers can register all Specified Workers detailed under all SEOs from age 15, but under age 70 who are directly employed by the company.
The list of Specified Workers who are covered under the legislation are outlined by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC):
The Minister has indicated that the pension scheme for workers under the SEOs should operate under particular standards and benefits for members. CWPS meets all the criteria set out by the Minister in the legislation so employers who have all their specified workers in CWPS can be assured that they fulfil their legal obligations under the SEOs to have their workers covered for death in service and sick pay benefits.
CWPS is operated on behalf of the industry by an independent Trustee Company called the Construction Workers’ Pension Scheme Trustees Designated Activity Company.
