Hi all
The Principals at our MAT would like the special leave policy reviewing as the policy allows an additional 18 days paid leave to TTO workers. We have found that a small few are using these days as an entitlement, we are also employing more and more all-year workers who are not entitled to all the additional paid time off under the policy (stating annual leave should be used), and lastly, I believe the policy to be discriminatory due to the religious festivals section (those who observe festivals during term time are allowed paid leave).
The policy includes the following number of paid days per academic year:
5 days bereavement leave
3 days emergency leave
5 days dependants leave
1 day for attending a close relative's wedding
1 day to move house
1-3 days for interviews
The policy itself is very dated and came across from the LA when our very first schools TUPE'd. Paid time off is also not pro rated for part time staff, of which we have many!
Staff are of course entitled to certain leave e.g. emergency, dependents, but I was going to suggest having a policy that states a staff member could have up to a number of additional paid days off (pro rata for PT staff) e.g. up to 10 paid days off to be agreed with the Principal. Therefore, if someone requires time off to look after a dependent it could all be paid, but then if they need a day off to move or to celebrate Eid this may not be if the paid entitlement has been exhausted.
I also wish to simplify the reasons for the time off - rather than splitting out as above, just say that any additional days off (outside statutory entitlements) should be agreed with the Principal e.g. moving house, religious observation, to attend a wedding etc.
Before any discussion is had with the unions I am collating internal data, but wanted to get a feel from other MATs too; What do your MATs have in place - do you breakdown the different types of leave like our current policy or do you have something else in place? How many days do you allow and are these paid?
Thanks
K