Notice for Band 3 Admin

[Fandango100]

I have worked for the NHS for 11 years and have decided to take early retirement - I am 65 next year. My manager, on receipt of my resignation letter has informed me that instead of the statutory 4 week notice I am required to give 11 week’s notice.

is this correct - I would appreciate advice?

As always, what does your policy say? It could very well be correct for a retirement as payroll and HR need to be notified and your pension put in place. Are you planning a phased retirement? That also needs to be planned and agreed. When people in my team gave retired I've needed far longer than 4 weeks notice from them - your retirement policy will clarify.

My policy says for a Band 3 it is 4 week’s notice. I have been in touch with the pension dept and all forms are completed. What is the difference in retiring or leaving for another role - if the latter asking for 11 weeks notice is absurd but if retiring they can try and squeeze every last drop. I think 11 weeks for an admin is ridiculous.

Every Trust is different but a Band 3 would be 4 weeks. Confirm with your Trust’s policy, independent of your manager, and then return to manager reiterating the 4 week notice starting on the day you submitted. If rejected, go above his or her head.

Retirement has different rules than resigning.

As above. Mines a month but six months if expecting to access pension.

I am not planning a phased retirement - what is the difference in leaving normally or retiring? 11 weeks is excessive.

Oh yes. 3 months or roughly 11 weeks. Manager is correct! My bad!

None of us can answer - you need to look at your retirement policy and speak to HR to clarify.

Retirement is different to resigning. The NHS would want a longer notice period depending of the role.
Also, the NHS pension services need 3 months to process your pension so that when you leave your employment the pension payment kicks in (hopefully!)

I’ve been in consultations with the NHS pension department since May - forms completed so no hold up there - the pension will be available on my departure in 4 weeks time. My role is a Band 3 Admin with a notice period of 4 weeks.

Then you need to speak to HR 🤷‍♀️

I’ve been in consultations with the NHS pension department since May - forms completed so no hold up there - the pension will be available on my departure in 4 weeks time. My role is a Band 3 Admin with a notice period of 4 weeks.

You've done everything according to the pension guidelines. I would speak to HR.
Waiting 11 weeks is unreasonable.

Did you tell your manager before sorting the pension bit out? I read through my old contract and policy (higher band but similar principle) which makes it clear to notify the manager of intent to retire which comes with a wait time longer than the standard notice. I guess you didn’t and instead handed in your notice? You need to chat with HR to sort it out now tbh.