Retire and Return
There are a number of options available to staff reaching the decision to retire depending on the member of staff’s personal circumstances, one of these is Retire and Return. Retire and return is where an individual retires, takes all their pension benefits and then returns to work in the NHS after a short break. To explore Retire and Return see the additional resources available.
Benefits
- Retain skills and knowledge.
- Maintain staffing levels.
- Support the member of staff to ease into retirement.
Points to Consider
- There is no automatic right to return to either the original role or another role – it is important to discuss your plans with your manager to ensure they can achieve senior approval and funding for the vacancy. Staff must have satisfactory attendance and performance at the time they wish to retire
- Staff must not be subject to any formal sickness Stage 2 or above, live performance or disciplinary action.
- The Trust cannot advise any individual on their pension options. Staff who require financial advice are advised to contact an independent financial advisor.
Working Hours/Patterns
Staff who wish to continue to work after they have retired may wish to return on either existing or reduced hours.
Retiring staff may decide that they wish to a new role within the Trust, or to work on the Trust Bank. Staff must be aware that in order to secure a new role in the Trust, they will be required to formally apply for vacancies through NHS Jobs and a competitive recruitment and selection process will be followed.
Alternatively, staff may prefer to apply to work on the Trust bank by registering with UHB+ on a more flexible, ad hoc basis.
In order to work through the Trust bank staff must ensure they are still eligible to practice and that their professional registration to their professional body (where applicable) is maintained.
Pay
The minimum 24 hour break will not impact on salary point (if returning to the same job), annual leave or sick pay entitlement. All benefits, pay and entitlement are on a pro-rata basis for any staff returning on fewer hours.
Before agreeing to a request
Where a request is declined there is no right of appeal.
Staff must be aware that there is no guarantee that their request to return to the same role will be granted; this will be dependent on service, financial and workforce needs.
After agreeing to a request
Individuals who wish to retire and return in any form are required by the Trust to have a break of at least 24 hours between retiring and returning to work.
Under the NHS Pension scheme rules an individual can only work for a maximum of 16 hours per week for the remainder of the first calendar month and then increase weekly working hours from the start of the second calendar month. Alternatively, if there is a break of one calendar month, there is no restriction on the number of hours that can be worked upon return.
A HR3/ESR3 termination form must be completed to notify Payroll of the retirement and a HR1/ESR1 new starter form with the relevant WAF/EVAS attached for the re-engagement.
Practical Tips
It is encouraged that the member of staff initiates discussions with their line manager at least 6 months in advance of their intended retirement date.
Each individual case may vary, so it is advisable before finalising any retirement arrangements to seek advice from the following:
NHS Pensions and general helpline
(08:00-18:00, Monday-Friday. Calls are charged at local rates)
NHS Pensions Choice 2 member helpline
(08:00-18:00, Monday-Friday. Calls are charged at local rates)
UHB Pensions Team
If you still need further assistance, the Trust’s pensions Team may be able to help. (Open 09:00-17:00, Monday-Friday)
