I am keen to accommodate the request but would like any views - if granted this request could set a significant precedent. Views on whether there is potential for significant take up appreciated.
Thelma Williams
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4 Responses
Policy
If you write yourself a company policy on unpaid leave and include the line “each case will be review on a individual basis” this then shoud assist you when you have to say to others that it is not possible at the present time.
However, one factor you have stated s that it is an unpaid period of time not that many people can afford to give up their job.
Sorry the best help I can be as we have not include anything about sabbaticals in our policies just rules on unpaid leave.
Unpaid leave
I doubt that you will be inundated with requests for unpaid leave.
The applicant needs to be aware of the wider financial implications. For example, full State Retirement pension is only payable if the minimum requirements for National Insurance contributions have been met.
The Pension Service site is:
http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/atoz/atozdetailed/retirement.asp
I run retirement seminars and often have delegates whose financial circumstances in retirement have been adversely affected by earlier disruptions of payments of NI contributions or to their pension/superannuation scheme.
Unpaid leave: long-term financial implications
I agree on the need for a policy. Also, the applicant needs to think seriously about any long-term implications for their financial circumstances in retirement. In my experience of running retirement seminars I often meet people whose pension income will be significantly reduced due to past episodes of non-payment of pension contributions or National Insurance. It may be different in the future with minimum income guarantee but I recommend that advice is sought to avoid a nasty shock later. Unless, of course, they are prepared to work until they drop.
Local Authority policies
Hi, having worked for a local authority in the past I am aware that such policies are common in governmental organisations. It may be worth contacting the personnel/training department of your local council/s or health authority ask if they’d show you their policy. It might also be worth doing a trawl of websites concerned with work/life balance. All the best with your search.