Regulation 81 Premature retirement in the interests of efficiency

(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.