Uni versus NHS pension?

[Batshitmeansbatshit]

So I am 47, and have had one of those careers where I have moved around and have a mix of pension pots, mostly public but one private. Anyway, I am moving from an NHS employer (2015) to a University, USS employer. I think I could keep paying into the NHS pot, or I can move to USS. I have no idea how to decide how compare as it isn’t straight like for like. How do I start?

Are you sure that you can carry on paying into NHS pension if you leave?

I'm pretty sure you can't carry on paying into your NHS pension. You can in some circs transfer the value of your NHS pension to your new employer, but that's all as far as I know.

Yes, it can be an option. I did it in the past. What I don’t know is which is “ better” or how I judge…

If the OP is taking on a clinical lectureship role (or similar) then yes she can continue paying into the NHS scheme.

OP I don't know about the NHS scheme, but USS is under threat at the moment. There's a long history over the past few years about threats to devalue the pension (for future entitlement, not pension that people have already accrued in the scheme) and at the moment the trustees have agreed quite severe cuts to the pension. It'll probably go to industrial action (again) and who knows what the outcome will be, but you should be aware of the current situation. I believe that the NHS pension may be considered "better" because it is guaranteed by the treasury in the way USS isn't.

@BlackLambAndGreyFalcon
Thank you, that is something to think about.

It will depend on individual circumstances - current age, years worked, time so far in the 1995 and 2008 sections of the NHS Pension Scheme, other savings/investments, projected retirement age, final salary, etc.

That said, the NHS Pension Scheme is generally considered to be generous and secure. The same cannot be said for the USS.

When I had a choice, I stayed with the NHSPS and didn't spend much time thinking about it.

Thanks for the comments. Stuck with NHSP. The option of staying with NHS scheme is available to existing members if they are joining a particular bit of a University, for example Faculty of Medicine.