9 hours ago, transam said:

Are we interested in what employers pay, I don't think so......🤗

That is like the US govt pension too, I contributed around 8% during my 36 years of civilian work plus 4 years military and the govt takes out taxes each year, then upon retirement, I get a monthly annuity and when tax time roles around, I opted to not pay for 30 years, additional taxes on X% of my annuity on that 8% amount I had already been taxed while working. Since this ended up costing the govt a lot of money, they changed the retirement system totally. I was given the option of moving to the new system circa 1987 but could read the writing on the wall i.e why? to save money of course! But the US makes citizens pay taxes on ANY earned income no matter where you make it and if only a pension, you get your annuity where ever you are and that will include any cost of living approved each year too. But we don't have any national health insurance and while the govt contributes to some of our health insurance programs they still cost more each year too. But, do you still pay taxes on your national pension while you are overseas? How about your national health system can you still access that? and how about cost of living increases at your home country? Just wondering as I see so many comments both on this forum and EU and PI forums too.

20 hours ago, youreavinalaff said:

Anyone can retire whenever they want.

Yes but you can't claim back the 'stolen' money that the government took until you reach an ever increasing age..they will keep increasing the age and continue to give Ukraine money for 100 years..I would much prefer they stopped wasting money on war..instead gave pensioners what they are owed.

As it seems the state pension is 'unviable' (due to people living too long) they should be honest about it and let people make their own pension arrangements..without mandatory 'contributions' to a state pension ..

set a date to end mandatory state pension contributions from the PAYE system...continue paying the pensions of existing pensioners till they shuffle off the mortal coil and be done with it.

1 hour ago, johng said:

Yes but you can't claim back the 'stolen' money that the government took until you reach an ever increasing age..they will keep increasing the age and continue to give Ukraine money for 100 years..I would much prefer they stopped wasting money on war..instead gave pensioners what they are owed.

As it seems the state pension is 'unviable' (due to people living too long) they should be honest about it and let people make their own pension arrangements..without mandatory 'contributions' to a state pension ..

set a date to end mandatory state pension contributions from the PAYE system...continue paying the pensions of existing pensioners till they shuffle off the mortal coil and be done with it.

There's no such thing as "mandatory contributions to a state pension"

Tax and NI is paid by us to pay for many things. NHS, education, defense, benefits, etc.

Those that are working and paying NI and Tax now are the ones paying the pensions for those currently claiming.

12 hours ago, youreavinalaff said:

There's no such thing as "mandatory contributions to a state pension"

Of course it is mandatory...you try not paying tax and NI.

5 hours ago, johng said:

Of course it is mandatory...you try not paying tax and NI.

You've not fully read my comment. I said, there's no such thing as mandatory state pension payments.