New pension scheme for catering postponed to 1 January 2026

The rules for pensions in the Netherlands are changing. The pension scheme of Pensioenfonds hospitality & Catering will also change. More time is needed for this.

Instead of 1 January 2025, the plan is to transition to the new pension scheme a year later. Work has been done in the past period to prepare communication, systems, and processes. Additionally, coordination is taking place with regulators regarding the transition to the new scheme. Progress is reviewed quarterly. Carefulness remains more important than the transition date. The Updates pension schemes, both the basic pension scheme and the supplementary pension schemes, will also remain in effect in 2025. 

Edwin Vlek, chairman FNV Horecabond: “FNV hospitality regrets the postponement of the new pension scheme but supports the decision to delay. Carefulness and the interests of the participants are always our top priority. Given the circumstances, this is, in our view, the only and right choice. We are not going to sit back but will work hard. Together with social partners and the board of Pensioenfonds hospitality en Catering, we will do everything to ensure a transition by 1 January 2026.”

Hans Veltkamp, chairman of the board Pensioenfonds hospitality & Catering: ‘A lot has been achieved in the past year, but all signals must be green to proceed. Although we are disappointed that a transition by 1 January 2025 is not possible, we continue to choose carefulness in the interest of our participants.’ Together with social partners, we are and will remain in discussion about the progress and careful implementation.

Below we provide an explanation of the possible consequences. If your question is not listed, please contact us. 

• Why is the new pension scheme being implemented later?
  In the past period, work has been done to prepare adjustments in communication, systems, and processes. Additionally, substantive coordination with regulators is taking place. Progress on all these points must be green. We have determined that more time is needed for this. Therefore, we plan to transition to the new pension scheme by 1 January 2026. Carefulness remains always guiding.
  
  
• Could you not have decided this earlier?
  We have done everything to transition to the new pension scheme by 1 January 2025. This means that we have looked at the possibilities until the last official decision moment and unfortunately had to decide to move the transition date to 1 January 2026. We continue to choose carefulness in the interest of our participants.  
  
  
• How have social partners (FNV Horecabond, CNV, de Unie, KHN, Veneca) been informed?
  The board of Pensioenfonds hospitality & Catering made this decision based on carefulness. Social partners understand the board's consideration; carefulness is also important to them. Fund board and social partners are and remain in discussion about the progress and careful implementation.
  
  
• What does this mean for participants and employers?
  In 2025, the Updates basic scheme and supplementary schemes will continue. The premium remains 16.8%, with the employer and the employee each paying half.
  
  
• Will there be an indexation on 1 January 2025?
  Based on the existing rules agreed with social partners, it will be determined whether we can index. Whether there will be an increase in pension on 1 January 2025 and how much is laid down in the pension regulations.
  
  
• How certain is it that 1 January 2026 will be met?
  We are doing everything to transition to the new pension scheme by 1 January 2026. Even then, all signals must be green to proceed carefully. We continue to monitor progress and will let you know if we have news.
  
  
• Do you have questions about your pension or the new scheme as a member of FNV hospitality or FNV Catering?
  Pensioenfonds hospitality & Catering is happy to answer your questions. They are available by phone from Monday to Friday between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm at phone number (079) 363 14 00. You can also find a lot of information on www.phenc.nl . Of course, you can contact us as a member of FNV hospitality or FNV Catering.
  
  
• Where can I find more information about the new pension scheme?
  You can find more information on www.phenc.nl/nieuweregeling.