The Pensions (Northern Ireland) Order 2005

Accrual rate, pensionable service and pensionable earnings

36.—(1) In this Schedule, in relation to a member’s entitlement to benefits under the scheme, each of the following expressions has the meaning given by this paragraph—

• “accrual rate”,

• “pensionable earnings”, and

• “pensionable service”.

(2) “Accrual rate” means the rate at which under the admissible rules rights to the benefits accrue over time by reference to periods of pensionable service.

(3) “Pensionable earnings” means the earnings by reference to which the benefits are calculated under the admissible rules.

(4) Subject to sub-paragraph (5), “pensionable service” means—

(a) actual service in any description of employment to which the scheme applies which qualifies the member for benefits under the scheme, and

(b) any notional service allowed in respect of the member under the admissible rules which qualifies the member for such benefits.

(5) The service within sub-paragraph (4)(b) does not include—

(a) service attributable (directly or indirectly) to a pension credit, or

(b) service of a prescribed description.