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Retirement acknowledgement letter

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This letter acknowledges an employees decision to retire, and provides essential information such as pension arrangements, final payments due and list the company property they are requested to return.

The letter includes the option to insert some kind words of thanks.

Reading time
How long to understand and implement this letter?
10 mins
Word count
How many words in this letter?
300
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What is a Retirement acknowledgement letter?

Most of us will retire, and the support that the retiree receives from their employer is essential to help with a smooth transition away from a working life.

A retirement acknowledgement letter is a letter sent by an employer to an employee who has announced their intention to retire. The letter typically acknowledges the employee's decision to retire, thanks them for their years of service, and outlines any benefits or entitlements that the employee may be entitled to upon retirement.

A retirement acknowledgement letter is an important way for an employer to acknowledge an employee's contributions and express appreciation for their years of service. It can help to ensure that the retirement process is handled smoothly and professionally, and that the employee is aware of their entitlements and options upon retirement.

Issued by who, to whom
Who should issue this letter, and to whom?
The Employer (you) to the Employee
Applicable legal jurisdictions
In which jurisdictions can this letter be used?
Great Britain & NI (United Kingdom), Worldwide

What legislation and best practice guidelines have been taken into account in the development of this template?

United Kingdom

When issuing a retirement acknowledgement letter in the UK, there are a few key employment laws that should be considered:

  1. Retirement Age: Employers should ensure that they are complying with any retirement age rules that apply to their industry or sector. They should also ensure that any retirement age set by the employer is objectively justified, based on factors such as health and safety or workforce planning.
  2. Age Discrimination: Employers must avoid discriminating against employees on the basis of age. They must not force employees to retire unless there is a legitimate reason, and must consider requests from employees who wish to continue working beyond the retirement age.
  3. Notice Periods: Employers should give the employee sufficient notice of their retirement, in accordance with the terms of their employment contract and any statutory requirements.
  4. Pensions: Employers should ensure that they have fulfilled their obligations regarding the employee's pension, including providing information on any pension options available and the potential impact of retirement on the employee's pension.
  5. Final Payments: Employers must ensure that they have calculated the employee's final payments accurately, including any outstanding holiday pay, bonuses, or other entitlements.
  6. Reference: Employers may be asked to provide a reference for the retiring employee, and must ensure that any reference given is accurate and not misleading.
  7. Exit Interviews: Employers may wish to conduct an exit interview with the retiring employee, to gather feedback on their experience and to identify any areas for improvement.
  8. Documentation: Employers should keep detailed records of the retirement process, including any discussions or negotiations with the employee and any agreements reached. This documentation may be useful in the event of any disputes or claims.

Other territories

Consult your jurisdiction's employment legislation or labor laws to ensure compliance with the template. Review the language for local precision.

Retirement acknowledgement [Delete this line]

[Company name]

[Sender address]

 

[date]

[Recipient name]

[Recipient address]

 

Dear [Recipient first name],

 

Re: Your retirement

I am writing to acknowledge your decision to retire from your position as [Job Title] with [Company Name]. On behalf of the company, I want to express our deep appreciation for your many years of service and dedication.

Over the years, you have made a significant contribution to our organisation, and we are grateful for the hard work, professionalism, and commitment that you have shown. You have been a valued member of our team, and you will be missed.

As you prepare to enter this new phase of your life, I want to take this opportunity to wish you all the best in your retirement. I hope that you will find the time to pursue your passions, spend time with your loved ones, and enjoy the fruits of your labour.

Regarding your retirement benefits, I want to assure you that we will provide you with the necessary information to ensure a smooth transition. You may be entitled to retirement benefits such as pension[, severance pay] or other benefits, and we will provide you with information on how to claim them.

We also want to extend to you the option of returning as a consultant. Your wealth of knowledge and expertise would be valuable to us, and we would be honored to continue working with you in this capacity. If you are interested in this option, please let us know and we can discuss the details further.

I want to remind you that any company property in your possession, such as keys, ID badges or equipment, should be returned to us before your last day of work.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. Once again, thank you for your many years of service, and we wish you all the best in your retirement.

Yours [faithfully | sincerely],

 

 

[Sender name]

[Sender job title]

[Sender telephone]
[Sender email]

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Retirement acknowledgement letter template
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