PART 5Members' benefits

CHAPTER 3Early and premature retirement

Premature retirement in the interests of efficiency81

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 benefits;

c

M's pensionable employment 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 NHS 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 13 has effect in respect of the calculation of the amount of a premature retirement pension.