Leave and Time Off

There are normally three fixed closure days which are in addition to the annual leave entitlements specified above. The dates on which these days fall vary each year but are confirmed in the iTrent Self-Service leave request and authorisation emails.

Academic staff in post prior to September 2007 and Support staff in post prior to April 2007 are able, if they wish to do so, to take leave on the Tuesdays, falling after Easter Monday, the late May Bank Holiday and the August Bank Holiday providing that appropriate notice is provided to their manager but it will be deducted from annual leave entitlement in the normal way. This is subject normal approval procedures for other staff.

Colleagues who are called for jury service or as a witness in a court or tribunal case will be granted paid leave for this duty and should inform their manager immediately and provide a copy of the notification. If the jury service, court or tribunal attendance is during a pre-arranged holiday, colleagues may attend and take annual leave at a later date, provided that they furnish proof of this. Colleagues who are required to undertake jury service should contact the HR Operations Team in advance of their attendance, who will liaise with the Payroll department, in order to arrange for reimbursement from the court.

Colleagues may be granted paid special leave of up to five days per rolling year (calculated on a pro rata basis for part-time staff) to cover a range of circumstances including dependents leave, domestic emergency, medical emergency, medical screening, bereavement and funeral leave. Beyond this, colleagues are expected to use annual leave, unpaid leave or other flexible working options. The list of circumstances is not intended to be exhaustive. If there are particular circumstances which aren't covered, you should discuss the situation with your manager.

Colleagues may be granted paid leave of up to twelve days per rolling year (calculated on a pro rata basis for part-time employees) to undertake voluntary public service. Additional leave may be granted on an unpaid basis. Public Service Duties are defined as tribunal members, magistrates/justices of the peace (JP), local councillors, members of a national health service trust, prison visitors, lay visitors to police stations, school governors, territorial army and reservist training. This list is not exhaustive. If you are unsure whether an activity may be considered under this policy and procedure should consult the HR Operations Team.