There is some concern and worry among TUI members who are considering retirement before the end of the calendar year. The Budget provisions to be announced on the December 7th 2010 may alter conditions of retirement in a negative manner for retirements not previously submitted in writing to the employer.  Some members would like the option of formally applying to their VEC/School/Institute before the Budget is announced, even though they may not actually take up the option depending on the outcome of the Budget.

The Department of Education and Skills (DES), IVEA and ACCS have confirmed that a teacher who notifies his/her employer that he/she wishes to retire on December 31st of this year can withdraw his/her application during the period of notice up to the intended date of retirement.  It has also been confirmed by the DES that the notice to retire can be withdrawn up to the date that the person is due to retire on, the withdrawal must be in writing and must be with the employer by close of business on this day.  The DES, however, need further reassurance that the employer must be in agreement with the withdrawal i.e. the position has not been filled.

We therefore advise that TUI members who find themselves in such a dilemma should notify their intention to retire to their VEC/BOM of a C&C School/IOT as follows:
“I intend to retire on the 31st December 2010. I understand that I can withdraw this letter  re my intention to retire up to this date.”

Members are advised to seek that this is agreed by the employer in question before submitting the letter of retirement.