OSPS Temporary Absence

What happens if I am absent due to illness?

If you go onto reduced pay because of sickness, even if you are receiving SSP only, you will continue to pay contributions as if you were on full pay. If this causes financial hardship, you should write to the Pensions Office, asking for the contributions to be suspended . You can pay the arrears when you return to work, including the employer's contribution, if the employer is unwilling to pay.

In the case of unpaid sick leave, no contributions will be collected. When you return to work you will be given the option to pay the missing contributions, including the employer's contribution, if the employer is unwilling to pay. The Pensions office should be informed of the decision made.

You must contact the Pensions Office if you have any periods of illness, to discuss your options.

What happens if I am on maternity leave?

During paid maternity leave you have to continue to make pension contributions based on the pay you actually receive, including any SMP entitlement. Normal contributions will be collected from you and your employer during maternity leave on full pay. In the instance of you going on to reduced pay, the employer must make up the difference between the contributions due on your usual pensionable salary and the contributions paid on the reduced pay received (including any SMP) in addition to its own normal contributions.

If you take approved unpaid leave after a period of maternity leave, both you and your employer's contribution will cease. If, on return to work, you wish to make up these contributions, the employer must pay its corresponding share. If the outstanding contributions are not paid, a non-pensionable service break will be recorded on your pension record.

Unpaid contributions, will be calculated based on the normal hours worked prior to going on maternity leave. If you return on a part-time basis, you will pay contributions based on your part-time hours and your record will be marked accordingly. Future service will accrue on a pro-rata basis, but calculated on your full time equivalent salary.

What happens if I am absent from work temporarily?

If you are absent from work for reasons other than illness or maternity leave, and you expect to return to work, it may be possible for your OSPS membership to continue as normal.