Premature retirement in the interests of efficiencyN.I.
80.—(1) A relevant member (M) is entitled to payment of a premature retirement pension from the entitlement day if—
(a)M has reached normal minimum pension age but has not reached normal pension age;
(b)M is qualified for retirement pension benefits;
(c)M's pensionable service has been terminated by M's employing authority in the interests of the efficient discharge of the functions of M's employing authority;
(d)M's employing authority gives written notice to the scheme manager pursuant to paragraph (2);
(e)the scheme manager certifies that M's employment is terminated in the interests of the efficient discharge of the employing authority's functions;
(f)M has ceased to be employed in HSC employment; and
(g)not later than 6 months after M's employment is terminated, M applies under paragraph 4 of Schedule 3 for payment of a premature retirement pension.
(2) The notice must state that—
(a)M's pensionable employment was terminated in the interests of the efficient discharge of the employing authority's functions;
(b)M has at least 2 years continuous employment determined in accordance with any terms and conditions applying to the employment;
(c)the employing authority agrees that a premature retirement pension should become payable to M; and
(d)M has not unreasonably refused—
(i)to seek suitable alternative employment, or
(ii)to accept an offer of such employment.
(3) A certificate under paragraph (1)(e) may be given only with the agreement of M's employing authority.
(4) A premature retirement pension is payable for life.
(5) A relevant member is a member who is not—
(a)a practitioner,
(b)a non-GP provider, or
(c)practice staff.
(6) Part 4 of Schedule 11 has effect in respect of the calculation of the amount of a premature retirement pension.