Hours of work
Your expected hours of work are normally agreed between you and your head of institution, in accordance with what is appropriate to your duties.
Working Time Regulations
All members of staff fall under the scope of the EU Working Time Regulations (WTR), 1998. Your contract of employment spells out their effect on your working hours and holiday entitlement. Individuals may voluntarily work more than the statutory maximum of 48 hours per week.
If in doubt, consult the head of your department or institution for clarification of your particular terms and conditions of employment.
Flexible Working Arrangements
All staff are now legally entitled to request a permanent variation in their working arrangements (e.g. part-time working). The Flexible Working Policy sets out details and procedures.
You should discuss your plans with your institutional head or administrator in the first instance.
As described below, there is also provision for Graduated return from maternity leave, as well as the Career-break scheme.
For more information and advice, contact your HR team.
Career break scheme
The career break scheme is an extension of the flexible working arrangements for those with domestic responsibilities, provided that your institutional head supports the request. In brief, the scheme covers leave:
- after the end of maternity leave
- if you have exceptional family responsibilities, or wish to spend more time with young children
- if you have an elderly dependant relative in need of full-time care
- other unforeseen domestic situations.
The maximum period for any career break (including after maternity leave) is two years. Full details are given in the Notice in Reporter, 15 December 1999: Flexible working arrangements.