Regulation P3 Absence for reasons other than illness or injury
If, on or after 1st April 2008, a member is on a leave of absence for reasons other than those referred to in regulation P2 the maximum period of such leave that will count as pensionable employment under this paragraph is—
where the member, for a continuous period of six months commencing with the member's first day of leave of absence, pays to this Section of the scheme contributions due from the member in accordance with regulation D1, six months; and
where the member, for a continuous period of less than six months commencing with the member's first day of leave of absence, pays to this Section of the scheme contributions due from the member in accordance with regulation D1, the period in respect of which those contributions were paid.
If, having paid contributions for the period referred to in paragraph (1)(a), a member remains on leave of absence for reasons other than those referred to in regulation P2 the maximum period of such leave that will count as pensionable employment under this paragraph is—
where the member pays to this Section of the scheme both contributions due from the member in accordance with regulation D1 and contributions due from the member's employer in accordance with regulation D2 for a continuous period of 18 months commencing immediately after the expiry of the period referred to in paragraph (1)(a), 18 months; and
where the member pays to this Section of the scheme both contributions due from the member in accordance with regulation D1 and contributions due from the member's employer in accordance with regulation D2 for a continuous period of less than 18 months commencing immediately after the expiry of the period referred to in paragraph (1)(a), the period in respect of which those contributions were paid.
If the earnings used to calculate a member's pensionable pay are reduced or suspended during a period of leave of absence for reasons other than illness or injury, “pensionable pay” (and, consequently, the member's contributions and benefits) for the period of absence will be calculated on the basis of the member's earnings immediately before the absence started.
A member who is absent from work without leave and whose earnings are suspended will be treated as if the member had left pensionable employment, except that the member shall not be entitled to any benefits or a refund of contributions until the member returns to or actually leaves pensionable employment.