Reduced hours scheme
We operate a reduced hours scheme. Managers will consider requests from employees to:
- voluntarily reduce their hours of work temporarily (we will adjust pay accordingly)
- take an extended unpaid leave of absence, which can also be used as a sabbatical
We may agree to this for a set period of up to twelve months. It can be achieved by:
- reducing the working day
- reducing the number of days worked in the week
- taking time off in a block of days, weeks or months
Requests are subject to our operational considerations. We are not obliged to agree to requests.
At the end of the agreed specified period, the employee will either:
- return to their substantive working hours
- apply to remain on the agreed reduced hours permanently. This formal application must follow the flexible working request procedure. Managers will consider all requests as per this policy.
Employees cannot apply for a further period of temporary reduction in hours. We permit two flexible working requests in any 12-month period.
Employees can request to return to their substantive hours before the end of the agreed period. The manager and employee must mutually agree to the return date considering both employee and operational needs.
We will consider reviewing the arrangements if operational circumstances change. This may occur if there are staff shortages due to:
- leavers
- sickness
- absence
We will only terminate the arrangements after we have explored all options. The manager will inform the employee with a one-month notice period.