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.