The University's provision for emergency leave for dependants is being extended with effect from 1 October 2019. The changes include up to 5 working days' paid leave in any rolling 12-month period (pro-rated for part-time employees), with a limit of 2 working days of paid leave on any single occasion.
This change has been made in recognition of the challenges to employees when childcare provision or care arrangements for elderly dependants break down unexpectedly or when there are other unexpected changes of circumstances. The intention is that these extended provisions will afford further flexibility to employees and avoid the need to take sick leave or annual leave in these situations.
Further information on these changes for staff is available in the Special Leave Policy, available from 1 October 2019 and, for HR practitioners, in the Summary of Changes to Special Leave.