What's the difference?

DeeGee75

We've had a major change to our Pay and Conditions at work. The first three days of sickness absence are now treated as unpaid absence.

Someone pointed out that this means that the pension (a public sector, Career Average Earnings scheme) isn't paid for that day.

We've now been give a choice whether we would like to make additional contributions equivalent to what we would have made had we not had pay docked for sickness automatically.

I have been assured in an email that these voluntary contributions will have the employer's contribution added as normal.

Now, I'm kind of inclined to go for that as this means my employer will still have to pay for my being off sick. However, my simplistic mind says that if I were to add the two or three days I take off sick in a career onto my employment after statutory retirement age instead I'd actually be better off.

I don't necessarily want to work longer than necessary, but I don't mind sticking in an extra few days at the end.

Is it better to make the contributions now based on what I'm earning now, or later, based on what I'm earning then?

kidmugsy

If you take the employer's free money now you will feel freer to change career if ever you want to.

DeeGee75

Is the argument I needed. Thanks!

greenglide

It's a bit harsh isn't it?

Losing the days for industrial action or unpaid leave as long holidays etc is one thing but losing the waiting days from you pension!!!

So are they then reinstating the pensionable service at the end of the waiting period when you will get sick pay (even if it is just SSP).

If you are off for more than 3 days do you still lose the 3 days?

I assume they still link absences within the linking period as per SSP rules?