GPs can get extra support with Type 2 forms thanks to a new guide published by the BMA earlier this month.
According to the guide, a Type 2 GP is:
- “a salaried GP formally employed by a GP surgery, APMS contractor, or a local health board (Wales)”
- “a GP who works solely for an OOH service either on an employed or self-employed basis”
- “a self-employed GP working for a CCG”.
The guide excludes any GP who is “solely a locum” but states that “a long-term fee-based/self-employed GP who works for a GP surgery, APMS contractor, or an local health board” would fall within the bounds of Type 2.
The guidance confirms that Type 2 forms are a legal requirement of the NHS pension scheme for ‘Type 2’ GPs.
The Type 2 form has long been a subject of confusion for sessional GPs and questions on how to manage your pension with a portfolio career, work out pensionable pay, file Type 2 paperwork and annualise pay for Type 2 work are common amongst NASGP members.
Dr Richard Fieldhouse, NASGP chair, says: “The annual event of completing one’s Type 2 form is like learning to play Dungeons & Dragons for the first time, but under duress and without any of the fun.
“This guidance though from the pension wizards at the BMA will help score a critical hit for many of our members, helping avoid the common Type 2 traps, although there is a gremlin lurking in the shadows around the lack of definition of long-term fee-based/self-employed GP.”
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