Absent from Work

There are a number of different circumstances which will cause you to be absent from work. These absences can affect the build up of your pension benefits. However, your employer will always provide you with the option to reinstate any lost pension upon your return to work, providing your absence was authorised (with the exception of Strike).

If you decide to reinstate your lost pension within 30 days of returning to work, the cost will be split between you and your Employer (1/3 to the member and 2/3 to the Employer).  But if your election is made outside this 30 day period, the entire cost will fall on you, as the member.

If you have not been given the option to repay, please contact your Employer. To estimate the cost of reinstating your pension, please use the Lost Pension Calculator on the national LGPS website.

• What if my absence is due to sickness?

  There will be NO affect to the build up of your pension benefits, even if you enter a period of 'no pay'.

• How will Maternity, Adoption or Paternity leave be treated?

  You will simply pay normal contribution rate on whatever pay you receive. If you are on less than your normal pay, or even not paid, your pension will still build up as usual, so there is NO effect on your pension benefits. If you choose to take additional leave after 39 weeks, you will be given the option to reinstate by your Employer, as mentioned above.

• What if I choose to Strike in the future?

  You have the option to reinstate your lost pension to cover any period of Strike Leave, but you will be liable for the total value of the lost pension.  If you choose not to repay, you will NOT build up any pension benefit for this period.  Your Employer will provide you with further information on this matter as and when it occurs.

• What if I'm called for Jury Service?

  You must pay your normal contributions (even if you are on reduced pay or not paid), so there is NO effect on your pension benefits.

• As a member of the Reserve Forces, what if I'm called for duty?

  If your pay equals or exceeds the pay you would have received from your Employer, you may be required to pay pension contributions on the pay you have received during this time. However, this is at the discretion of your Employer.

  If your reserved forces pay does not exceed the pay you would normally have received, your pension contributions, including any additional contributions are deemed to have been paid, and as a result, your pension benefits will NOT be affected.