Contribution breaks

Unpaid Leave
Any period of unpaid leave will not count as Pensionable Service unless, when you return to work, you agree to pay the contributions which would have been due from you for that period as if you had continued to be paid. If you are participating in SMART Pensions, the contributions will be equal to your notional contributions.

You will need to apply to Pension Services, and have this agreed within three months of your return to work.

Unpaid Absence
Any period of unpaid absence will not count as Pensionable Service unless, when you return to work, you agree to pay both your own contributions and those which would have been payable by BT but for the absence. If you are participating in SMART Pensions, the contributions will be equal to your notional contributions, including company contributions.

You will need to apply to Pension Services, and have this agreed within three months of your return to work.

Maternity/Paternity/Adoption Leave
If you are on paid maternity, paternity or adoption leave, you will continue to pay contributions on the Pensionable Salary you are receiving and that period will count as Pensionable Service. 

Sabbatical
Any leave whilst you are on a Sabbatical will not count as Pensionable Service unless, when you return to work, you agree to pay both your own and the company's contributions which were due for that period. You will need to apply to Pension Services and have this agreed within three months of your return to work.

Frequent questions

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