Career break question?

caoimhin · Post by **caoimhin** » 30 Jan 2016, 08:39

Hi all, I'm planning on having a career break to care for a sick relative, but what I'm wondering is can you do other paid work for another employer during the break? Thanks

spiro · Post by **spiro** » 30 Jan 2016, 17:34

No unfortunately there is a stipulation that you can't get another job as you are still technically employed by royal mail.

caoimhin · Post by **caoimhin** » 30 Jan 2016, 20:13

Ok thanks.

In The Know · Post by **In The Know** » 30 Jan 2016, 20:32

spiro wrote:No unfortunately there is a stipulation that you can't get another job as you are still technically employed by royal mail.

Really? I know of a postman that went over seas for 3 years, worked there and came back to his old job when it didn't work out. He was still employed by Royal Fail during that time.

caoimhin · Post by **caoimhin** » 30 Jan 2016, 20:56

I can understand that Royal Mail 'wouldn't want' you to do other work while you're on the year break but what I'm wondering is is it actually illegal? Can you be dismissed for doing so?

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 31 Jan 2016, 08:54

https://www.myroyalmail.com/sites/defau ... y%20A4.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Long-term care for a dependent: It can be hard balancing work and caring for a dependant who is
ill or unable to look after themselves. In these circumstances, you should speak to your manager, who
can help you to explore your options. These may include alternative shift patterns or a flexible working
arrangement. In longer term situations, unpaid leave of up to six months or a career break of up to two
years can be arranged.

https://www.myroyalmail.com/sites/defau ... y%20A4.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

working during career break 002.png

caoimhin wrote:I can understand that Royal Mail 'wouldn't want' you to do other work while you're on the year break but what I'm wondering is is it actually illegal? Can you be dismissed for doing so?

Yes. Just because it might not be illegal, it may though be a contractual issue and you can get dismissed if you break your contractual obligations with an employer.

However, don't take your advice from a forum if that's what you intend to do, check out the implications with an employment professional first.

caoimhin · Post by **caoimhin** » 31 Jan 2016, 15:31

Ok thanks.

spiro · Post by **spiro** » 31 Jan 2016, 19:29

In The Know wrote:
spiro wrote:No unfortunately there is a stipulation that you can't get another job as you are still technically employed by royal mail.
Really? I know of a postman that went over seas for 3 years, worked there and came back to his old job when it didn't work out. He was still employed by Royal Fail during that time.

I remember reading it in the career break handout that my manager gave me. Having said that I don't know how they would find out, especially if you were in another country.

Post by **coxie** » 01 Feb 2016, 14:33

I always thought you're allowed to work as long as it's not in the UK

Caticus · Post by **Caticus** » 14 Feb 2016, 17:01

So career breaks are still an option since the massive changes within Royal Mail of late? I've not been on here for some years, but am consideing taking some time off to travel for 6 months to a year and have a break from it all. I was just wondering if this was still an option, and if so how much notice do we have to give, and is it arranged through management or the union? I can only do this if I know I have a job to come home to. Any advice would be grately appreciated.

Darren Bent · Post by **Darren Bent** » 14 Feb 2016, 17:25

Well if you are going to work aboard, don't tell Royal Mail ;) You might need to emigrate and see how you got on in your new life with family before quitting.

mickeymacca · Post by **mickeymacca** » 17 Feb 2016, 15:31

Caticus wrote:So career breaks are still an option since the massive changes within Royal Mail of late? I've not been on here for some years, but am consideing taking some time off to travel for 6 months to a year and have a break from it all. I was just wondering if this was still an option, and if so how much notice do we have to give, and is it arranged through management or the union? I can only do this if I know I have a job to come home to. Any advice would be grately appreciated.

Hi mate,

I came back from a year out last September. There is a guide to career breaks that you can look at that will give you more detailed information, but in short you need to give a minimum of 3 months notice, have a good service record, and return for a few weeks work for every year you take out (not applicable if you are only going for 6 months) you can take up to 2 years. Go for it mate I had a great time, and its a great benefit that not many take advantage of, any questions you want to ask then don't hesitate.

all the best

Post by **wacko74** » 17 Feb 2016, 19:21

Mickey, did you have any issues returning from from your career break or were you able to walk straight back into your old role in your original unit?

As RM have a penchant for preferring their employees to be part time on temp contracts I'm a little concerned that as a full timer with a permanent contract they will try and fob me off and simply tell me they can't 're-accomodate' me at the end of my career break later this year.

Post by **Jiries** » 18 Feb 2016, 08:22

Cancelled.

mickeymacca · Post by **mickeymacca** » 18 Feb 2016, 20:37

wacko74 wrote:Mickey, did you have any issues returning from from your career break or were you able to walk straight back into your old role in your original unit?

As RM have a penchant for preferring their employees to be part time on temp contracts I'm a little concerned that as a full timer with a permanent contract they will try and fob me off and simply tell me they can't 're-accomodate' me at the end of my career break later this year.

No I came back as a reserve but on the same hours/ days which I don't mind too much, I think you'll struggle to come back to the same duty. Even though my old job is still vacant (I covered days off as a floater) operational needs stae i am required to be a reserve, as I said that actually suits me.

hope that helps mate