EA understands that staff may leave employment for a number of reasons including retirement or resignation to take up employment with another employer.
The information provided here is intended to provide links to information in order to help make the transition process for individuals leaving employment as smooth as possible.
Teachers
Teachers
Notice Periods
Teachers are required to give notice of resignation in accordance with their individual contract of employment which provides for employment to be terminated by either party giving the other written notice of at least 3 calendar months of termination on the last day of any month, except for termination at the last day of August or September when at least 4 calendar months is required.
Retirement
Information in relation to Northern Ireland Teachers’ Pension Scheme (NITPS) including factsheets which cover different types of retirement are available on the DE website:
Termination based on Ill Health or Capability
Non-Teaching Staff
Non-Teaching Staff
Notice Periods
EA non-teaching staff are required to give notice of resignation from employment in accordance with the requirements set out in their individual contract of employment.
The minimum period of notice employees are required to give to terminate employment is not less than 1 calendar month/4 weeks. Employees on salary NJC Point 36 and above (or equivalent) are required to give 3 calendar months’ notice.
Employees may not be required to work their notice period, and the Education Authority reserves the right to pay salary to employees in lieu of part or all of their contractual notice period. The Education Authority also reserves the right to terminate employment, without notice or pay in lieu of notice, on the grounds of summary dismissal for gross misconduct.
Retirement
Progressing Retirement
Employees are encouraged to obtain a pension estimate from NILGOSC well in advance of their intended retirement date (normally at least 3–6 months prior), as timescales for providing formal estimates may vary. Alternatively, indicative estimates can be accessed at any time via the My NILGOSC Pension Online portal.
Employees wishing to retire should follow the steps outlined below to ensure a smooth transition from employment:
- Consider Your Retirement Options: Review your pension benefits and retirement options through NILGOSC, including your Normal Pension Age, early or flexible retirement options, and any potential impact on your benefits. See NILGOSC Retirement Options for more informaiton.
- Obtain a Pension Estimate: Obtain a pension estimate from NILGOSC to understand your expected benefits before confirming your retirement date. This can be accessed via the My NILGOSC Pension Online portal or requested directly from NILGOSC.
- Notify Your Manager: Inform your line manager of your intention to retire at the earliest opportunity to support service planning and facilitate appropriate handover arrangements.
- Submit Formal Notice: Provide written notice of your intention to retire in accordance with your contractual notice period. Your notice should clearly state ‘Retirement’ and your intended retirement date.
- Confirm Pension Arrangements: NILGOSC will confirm your pension benefits and outline any further steps required to bring your pension into payment.
- Plan Your Handover: Work with your manager to ensure a structured and effective handover of duties and responsibilities prior to your leaving date.
- Final Employment Arrangements: Ensure all outstanding leave, return of equipment, and final payroll matters are addressed in line with organisational procedures prior to your departure.
Further information can be obtained from NILGOSC.
Termination on Ill health or Capability
EA has comprehensive policies covering termination of employment due to ill health or capacity.
NILGOSC Pension Online allows members to register for a free online service to view and update personal information and to access their pension records:
Annual Leave
Annual leave entitlement will be recalculated on a pro-rata basis for the period of service completed during the leave year and any outstanding annual leave should be taken before leaving employment in agreement with your line manager.
If it is not possible to take remaining leave entitlement before leaving employment you will be paid for any outstanding amount. If you have taken more leave than you are entitled to, a deduction will be made from your final salary payment.
EA Property & Equipment
Before leaving employment employees must make appropriate arrangements with their line manager for the handover of work and the return of all EA property such as security pass, keys, mobile telephones, laptops etc.