Equity Pension Scheme

Q: What is the EPS?
The EPS is a stakeholder compliant product, which is administered by First Act, the appointed insurance intermediaries to Equity and its members. 

The funds are managed by Aviva the UK’s largest pension provider.

You have total flexibility. You contribute when you are working, and when you are not; you can take a break. The EPS is penalty free and currently has a single charge of 0.70% per annum of the funds you have under management.  I.e. 70 pence for every £100 in your personal fund.

Q: How can I pay into the EPS?
A: Regardless of your occupation you can contribute to the EPS: 

• Monthly by Direct Debit (minimum £16.00 per month)
• Single contributions by cheque or internet, as and when you want (minimum payment £16.00)

Q: How does the EPS work in theatre?
A: As an EPS member you benefit from a contribution paid by your employers, equal to a percentage of your engagement fee. To qualify, you agree to make a contribution from your weekly fee.  The employer contribution is added to your salary and then deducted together with your personal contribution. The employer contributions are sent directly by the employer to First Act, for investment on your behalf.  Once with Aviva, basic rate tax relief is added.

Q: Which Theatrical employers contribute to the EPS?
A: Most theatrical employers now contribute to scheme.

West End Managers (SOLT), Walt Disney (UK) Theatrical and Shakespeare's Globe
Managers will contribute an amount equal to 5% of your weekly rehearsal or performance fee up to a maximum of 5% of 1.75 x the minimum performance fee.  Two years continual employment with the same Manager increases this to 7.5%.  10% after five years. 
You pay a 2.5% personal contribution, rising to 3.75% and 5%.
 
Subsidised Repertory Theatres (TMA)
The Manager will contribute an amount equal to 3% of your weekly rehearsal or performance fee up to a maximum of 3% of 1.5 x the appropriate middle-range salary level (MRSL).
You pay 2% personal contribution.
 
Commercial Theatre (TMA) and QDOS Entertainment plc
The Manager will contribute an amount equal to 5% of your weekly rehearsal or performance fee up to a maximum of 5% of 1.5 x the basic rehearsal or performance fee.
You pay 2.5% personal contribution.
 
Royal National Theatre
The RNT will contribute an amount equal to 5% of your weekly rehearsal or performance fee up to a maximum of 5% of 1.5 x the maximum weekly rehearsal fee.
You pay 2.5% personal contribution.
 
Royal Shakespeare Company
The RSC will contribute an amount equal to 5% of your weekly rehearsal or performance fee up to a maximum of 5% of 1.75 x the minimum performance fee.
You pay 2.5% personal contribution.

Q: How does the EPS work in television?
A: Basically, the scheme works in the same way in television as it does in theatre, but your contribution will be based on either your episode fee or weekly fee, whichever basis brings you the most benefit. It is the responsibility of the Artist to notify the Producer prior to the engagement that they are a member of the EPS and to provide their pension membership number in the space provided in the form of engagement.
    
Q: Which TV and Film employers contribute to the EPS?
A: Most TV and film employers will contribute to the scheme.

BBC television and ITV companies will contribute an amount equal to 5% of your engagement/episode fee or weekly equivalent up to a maximum of 5% of 3 x the current minimum engagement fee.
You pay 2.5% personal contribution
  
PACT and TAC Independent TV Production companies will contribute an amount equal to 5% subject to a maximum per engagement/weekly/episode fee.
You pay 2.5% personal contribution
   
Film companies The contractual pension contribution is 6% producer, 3% artist, but capped at £277 and £138.50 respectively per film. The pension contribution is based on the Basic Performance Salary only, or daily/weekly fee for stunts.
  
BBC Radio will contribute an amount equal to 5% of your engagement/weekly/episode fee.
You pay 2.5% personal contribution
  
Details of the current minimum engagement fees for your production company are available from Andrew Barker at First Act 020 8686 5050 or by email eps@firstact.co.uk

Q: How do I make payments into the EPS?
A: You can make contributions in a number of ways:

• You can make contributions related to your engagement only; this way you can pay in when you are working but freeze payments when you are not,
• You can make additional personal payments by direct debit on a monthly basis,
• You can make additional personal contributions by cheque on an ad-hoc basis.  If you are already a member of the EPS, you must make sure that you have inserted your EPS membership number onto the contract/addendum or advised your Company Manager or the payroll department of the production company of your EPS membership number.