M&S provides pension arrangements for the benefit of its UK employees through the Marks & Spencer UK Pension Scheme. This has a defined benefit section, which was closed to new entrants with effect from 1 April 2002, and a defined contribution section which has been open to new members with effect from 1 April 2003. M&S also operates a small funded defined benefit pension scheme in the Republic of Ireland. Retirement benefits also include a UK post-retirement healthcare scheme and unfunded retirement benefits.