Leave of absence

Guidance on buying back lost periods of pension, leave of absence and reserve forces leave.

Authorised absence – for less than 15 days duration

Authorised absence – for less than 15 days duration

From 1 April 2026, if you allow a member to take unpaid leave that lasts less than 15 days, the member’s pension will continue to build up in this period. 

Both you and the member pay the pension contributions that would have been paid if the member were at work receiving their normal pay.

This change applies to authorised absences that start after 31 March 2026.