Career break

[Mum69]

I have been recently granted a years career break (starting in 3 weeks) on the grounds that my partner has taken a promotion and I am needed to look after our youngest child until he starts school in September 2013. My question is; will I loose all my annual leave owed for this year or can I have the pay/ holiday before or after the leave starts. Also can you advise me how this break will affect my pension thanks

[Mick200]

Your last day before you go your career break will go on to your leave card and this will generate a figure either a minus or plus depending how much leave you have taken so far.

[PhilthyPhil]

Pensions

When you begin your Career Break, your pension contributions will cease. Your service for the purpose of calculating your pension during the Career Break period will be classed as non-reckonable and will not count towards length of service. If you are a member of POSSS, you will be eligible to continue POSSS when you return to work after your Career Break. Members of POPS will be able to continue POPS.

Q What about my length of service for pension purposes?

Your pension will be based upon your actual length of service minus the period taken for your Career Break. There may be an option for you to buy back the difference upon your return to Royal Mail. You may wish to contact your personnel manager or the Pensions Administration Centre for further details how this will affect you personally.

Your seniority is also frozen while you are on a career break, which means anyone within a year below you will overtake you.

[not me]

and be aware you wont hold a duty on return