Summary of pension arrangements for employees taking maternity leave, adoption leave, paternity/maternity/adoption support leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

During paid maternity, paternity or adoption leave, contributions are paid at the normal rate based on the actual pay received. However, for pension purposes reckonable service will accrue as if you were receiving full pay.

During unpaid leave no reckonable service for pension purposes will be accrued. However, as long as you have the right to return to work, you have the right to pay contributions to cover your unpaid leave so that it counts for pension purposes. If you wish to do this, you must notify Payroll of your wishes in writing within 30 days of returning to work or 30 days of leaving employment if you do not return. The cost of this is based on the rate of pay received before the period of leave began.

If you have a contract to buy additional service or additional pension you must honour this by paying the additional contribution rate based on your normal full pay whilst on leave. The additional benefits will continue to accrue at the rate they would have if you had not been on leave. If you are paying Prudential AVCs you should contact Prudential directly to confirm how your leave will affect these.

Teachers’ Pension Scheme

During paid maternity, paternity or adoption leave contributions are paid at the normal rate based on the actual pay received. However, for pension purposes reckonable service will accrue as if you were receiving full pay.

During unpaid leave no reckonable service for pension purposes will be accrued. If you return to work you have the right to purchase additional pension. Further information about this provision can be obtained from the Teachers' Pension scheme website or from Human Resources.

If you have a contract to buy additional pension and are receiving any pay you will have to pay the normal additional contribution. If you are not receiving pay the election to purchase additional pension will cease. If you are paying Prudential AVCs you should contact Prudential directly to confirm how your leave will affect your AVCs.

Pension arrangements for employees taking parental leave or career break

Local Government Pension Scheme

If you take a period of parental leave or a career break of 30 days or less you must pay pension contributions based on the pay that you would have received had you been at work. Reckonable service for pension purposes will accrue as though you were not on leave.

If you take a period of parental leave or a career break of 31 days or more no reckonable service for pension purposes will be accrued. However, you have the right to pay contributions to cover your unpaid leave so that it counts for pension purposes. If you wish to do this, you must notify Payroll of your wishes in writing within 30 days of returning to work or 30 days of leaving employment if you do not return.

Teachers’ Pension Scheme

During parental leave or a career break no reckonable service for pension purposes will be accrued. If you return to work you have the right to purchase additional pension. Further information about this provision can be obtained from the Teachers' Pension scheme website or from Human Resources.