Supporting worklife balance: NHSScotland PIN policy

Annex H: Model Retirement Policy

1 Introduction

(Name of organisation) recognises that the change from work to retirement is one of the most significant events encountered during a person's life. This policy aims to provide the best support and practical information to enable employees to experience as smooth a transition from work to retirement as possible.

This policy applies to employees with a confirmed retirement date who have given 6 months' notice of their intention to retire. In exceptional circumstances where the notice period is less than 6 months the policy may be applied with mutual agreement between employer and employee.

Principles

All employees for whom this policy applies will be given the opportunity to access the benefits detailed in this policy. There is now no compulsory retirement age. However, employees should contact the HR department 13 months before they wish to retire to state their intent in regard to retirement. The HR department will then arrange an individual interview with the member of staff 9 months before the proposed date of retiral in order that a 'Retiral Plan' may be drawn up.

2 Working Hours Reduction

In order that an employee can adjust to the prospect of retirement, a gradual reduction in working hours may be introduced three months prior to retirement,

• Third month before retiral - 80% of contracted hours
• Second month before retiral - 60% of contracted hours
• Last month before retiral - 40% of contracted hours days

During this time employees will be paid as if at work. The pattern of reduced hours can only be permitted on the basis shown, i.e. the paid time off cannot be aggregated over a longer or shorter period.

3 Preparation for Retirement

Employees will be given the opportunity to attend the pre-retirement course where they will have access to a wide range of information and be given their 'retiral pack'. To encourage long and healthy retiral employees will have access to a health check and advice from the Occupational Health Department.

4 Staff Termination/Pensions Application

Pension's applications and notification of termination should be completed four to six months before the date of retiral in order to ensure that pensions are paid timeously. If an employee is considering any return to work options following receipt of their Scottish Public Pensions Agency (SPPA) retirement benefits they are advised to check the implications of this on the benefits already in payment with SPPA. When an employee has retired, their contract of employment will be terminated. If they wish to return to NHS employment the employee will be required to apply for an advertised position. Employees who have previously retired utilizing the working hours reduction option will not be entitled to take this option again.

5 Monitoring, Review and Evaluation

This policy will be monitored, reviewed and evaluated every two years by the Area Partnership Forum or equivalent, taking into consideration legislative changes and developments in good practice to ensure it meets the needs of all employees.