GP's 24 hour retirement - has your agreement got it covered?

Disputes have arisen between GP partners regarding the 24 hour retirement rights and terms following return to the partnership. The best way to overcome such disputes is to ensure your partnership agreement includes a clause recording the arrangements agreed by the partners.

Partnership agreements often include a clause agreeing the concept of a partner reducing their working hours upon reaching a certain age. In addition practices should consider a clause addressing arrangements if the 24 hour retirement provisions are to be used. Partners will want to be clear about:

* The requirement to return following the 24 hour retirement
* The requirement for the returning partner to work an aggregate of 16 hours a week for the first month of return
* The entitlement to profit share and its adjustment during the first month
* Any entitlement to sums that would, prior to the retirement, have been paid as superannuation

Partnership agreements are there to record the terms agreed between the partners, so that they have a fall back position that enables them to deal smoothly with issues that arise in the running and management of their practice. GP partnership agreements prepared by lawyers specialising in acting for doctors will incorporate clauses that cover issues actually arising in GP practices. Amendments to partnership agreements can be made easily by a simple deed of amendment or, if your agreement has not been prepared by a specialist or has not been updated for sometime, it is worth considering an expert review and update.

Contact Tracey Dickens for specialist advice on GP partnership agreements on 01206 217326 or tracey.dickens@birkettlong.co.uk