Out of Programme (OOP)
All OOP time requires an application to the Deanery. Please see the Scotland Deanery website. You will not be paid by your health board while OOP. You can work while OOP in a supervised hospital post but NOT in a General Practice post.
Under 6 months
If you have decided to take an OOP career break of 6 months or less then you may elect to continue to contribute to the superannuation scheme. For this 6 month period the employee and the employer are both liable to pay contributions. This should be raised with HR, who should ensure that this information is detailed on the notification of change form. It should be noted that this may be paid on return to work and a payment plan would be set up for this purpose.
Over 6 months
If you are deciding to take a break of 6 months or longer then you should seek advice from the Scottish Public Pensions Agency (SPPA) prior to commencing an employment break.
Address:
Scottish Public Pensions Agency
7 Tweedside Park
Tweedbank
Galashiels
TD1 3TE
Telephone: 01896 893 195