Career Breaks and Sabbaticals

Freedom of Information Request: Career Breaks and Sabbaticals



I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 regarding career breaks and sabbaticals taken by employees within your organisation (council).



I would like to request the following information covering the period from 2020 to present:



This is the timeframe/breakdown I would like to receive the data for please:

1st January 2020 - 31st December 2020

1st January 2021 - 31st December 2021

1st January 2022 - 31st December 2022

1st January 2023 - 31st December 2023

1st January 2024 - 31st December 2024

1st January 2025 - 30th April 2025



1. The total number of employees who have taken career breaks or sabbaticals lasting more than one month.



2. A breakdown of these career breaks by:

a) Length of break (1-3 months, 4-6 months, 7-12 months, more than 12 months)

b) Department or service area (if available)

c) Employee grade or level (junior, middle management, senior management)

d) Employee age

e) Employee gender



3. The main reasons given for these career breaks, categorised if possible (e.g., further education, travel, family responsibilities, volunteering, personal development).



4. The number of employees who returned to work following their career break.



5. Any notable patterns in the timing of career breaks (e.g., particular months or seasons when more employees take breaks).



6. A copy of your current policy on career breaks and sabbaticals.
 

I can confirm that the information requested is held by Lincolnshire County Council. I have detailed below the information that is being released to you. 

1. 4. This information number is from 1st January 2020 to 30th April 2025. Please note that the information for each year has been provided. The figures have not broken it down by year because the numbers are so small, this could potentially identify employees on an individual basis.

2. a) 2 x 4-6 Months, 2 x 7-12 Months,

b) 1 x Business Support, 1 x Transformation, 1 x Children’s, 1 x Audit

c) We are not able to release this information as it could identify employees.

d) We are not able to release this information as it could identify employees.

e) We are not able to release this information as it could identify employees.

3. Reasons for sabbaticals are not centrally recorded. Information Not Held.

4. Each employee returned to work following their sabbatical.

5. Based on the dates we have, there are no specific pattern to the timing of these request during the year.  

6. Please see link: https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/employment-policies/leave-time-off-policy/4