Option to pay member contributions for period of unpaid leave
171.—(1) This regulation applies in respect of an active member of this scheme who returns from a period of—
(a)unpaid adoption leave;
(b)unpaid maternity leave;
(c)unpaid parental leave;
(d)unpaid maternity support leave;
(e)unpaid adoption support leave; or
(f)unpaid sick leave.
(2) For the purpose of paragraph (1), unpaid leave does not include any leave in respect of which statutory pay is payable under the Social Security Contributions and Benefits (Northern Ireland) Act 1992.
(3) The member may by written notice to the scheme manager opt to pay the amount of contributions that would have been payable for the period of unpaid leave.
(4) A member may exercise this option in relation to one or more periods of unpaid sick leave if—
(a)each period of unpaid sick leave does not exceed 6 months; and
(b)the total period of unpaid sick does not exceed 12 months.
(5) The option must be exercised by the earlier of —
(a)the end of the 3 month period beginning with the day on which the member returns to work; and
(b)the member’s last day of pensionable service under this scheme.
(6) On receipt of a notice under paragraph (3) the scheme manager must calculate the amount of contributions payable and give the member a notice stating that amount.
(7) For the purpose of calculating the amount of contributions payable, the annual rate of the member’s pensionable earnings is taken to be the rate that applied at the beginning of the period of unpaid leave.