public sector to civil service

ixi99 · 17-09-2023 5:29pm #1

Hi All,

I worked 23yrs in Public Sector getting to highest level in my pay scale. Pivoting to the civil service, I accepted a graduate AO post. Whilst the analogous query regarding the recognition of my established pay increments was being processed, I signed the contract being told that this would not affect the outcome of the query. My starting date was 3 months ahead of that time, 11th Sept.

In good faith I resigned from my post. 6 weeks later I was told my service was being recognised and my starting salary was to be far greater than the 1st pay scale of an AO. On the Friday before commencing employment, 8th Sept I was informed that because I resigned from my post in June and there was a gap before commencing in the civil service 'if the person is not currently serving there is no facility for analogous grades or to be deemed a promotion and incremental credit does not apply to the grade of AO, the person should start at the first point of the scale'.

I am going to appeal this - can anyone advise me?

Many thanks

irishgeo · 17-09-2023 5:41pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058314197/public-sector-to-civil-service

Why did you resign before your start date?

gipi · 17-09-2023 6:24pm

Check that the gap isn't affecting your ongoing pension service as well as incremental credit - I remember in the past (in older pension schemes) that a gap could mean loss of continuity of reckonable service.

We were always advised to resign on Sunday if starting a new PS job on Monday, to avoid a pension gap (as I said, this was a long time ago).

Jim_Hodge · 17-09-2023 6:28pm

You resigned way too early. Why???

ixi99 · 18-09-2023 8:11am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121122858#Comment_121122858

Last 3yrs as front-line staff in HSE during COVID was intense and when got offered job and the starting 2 and half months ahead I took the opportunity to take a breather, basically that's it

ixi99 · 18-09-2023 8:12am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121123096#Comment_121123096

Thanks, I got no advise nor information regarding same

babaracus · 18-09-2023 8:41am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121123096#Comment_121123096

This is equally as important as the pay issue. You are likely now classed as a new entrant and will be put on the Single Public Service Pension Scheme whereas if you had no break in service you may have been classed as someone who joined back when you first entered the public service. The SPS scheme is less attractive and has a minimum retirement age of 65.

You could try the Union if you are in one. I'm sure that your employer now will say that not knowing the rules is no defence. Much like ignorance of the law is not a defence if you commit a crime. Best of luck.

leanbh · 18-09-2023 6:24pm

You should be ok.

Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004

S.2 (6)

Once you take up a new public service position within 26 weeks of date of resignation from old position you should stay on your old pension scheme according to that act (and I presume increment). Worth appealing.