If you are off work

Life events such as having a baby, caring for an elderly parent or having a serious illness can mean that your pension is the very last thing you’re thinking of. But your Plan continues to be there in the background, ready for you when you need it or when you’re ready to start paying in again.

If you are off work due to long term ill-health or other reasons, you can remain a member of the Plan for as long as you are employed by the Company. Your pension contributions will be based on the pay you actually receive – so if you take unpaid leave as a carer, for example, you wouldn’t pay any pension contributions until you start getting paid again.

If you’re off work with illness or injury for more than six months, the income protection policy will provide you with 50% of your pay, and will pay your normal pension contributions for you.

In the case of very serious and permanent ill health, you may be able to take your benefits before age 55 – contact the Plan administrator for further details.

If you are off work because of ordinary maternity, paternity, parental or adoption leave, you will remain a member of the Plan and the regular contributions you make will be based on the pay you actually receive. The Company will make up the difference between your regular contributions while on leave and your usual level of regular contributions until you return from leave. If you were making additional matched contributions, you can continue to pay these if you wish and the Company will continue to match these.

No contributions will be paid by you or the Company if you choose to take any unpaid maternity leave.