Term time contracts

[smartecosse]

Is Xmas blocked off for term time contracts or not?

Assumed it was but asked both HR and DOM neither of whom could confirm.

Thanks.

[SpacePhoenix]

There's no such thing as a term time contract. Xmas pressure has a blanket ban on any leave to ensure the maximum number of staff are available

[smartecosse]

Well if there is no such thing as a term time contract why have I been given an application form for one by the DOM and why did HR explain how it works?

[picture123]

It is blocked off, I think it is mentioned in the policy

[shaun1965]

We have a woman who has a term time contract giving her 2 weeks off at Easter , 6 weeks in the summer and 2 weeks off over Xmas .
She is somehow classed as full time but her wages are adjusted accordingly.

[ninja]

Term time working is covered by the flexible working arrangements and does exist within royal mail. I did to have four members working under such arrangements within various delivery units.
The main point to consider is it is a contractual change and works on the basis that the individual is banking hours to cover the period that they wish to take term time leave. From memory they worked 39 hours but got paid for 35 so banked 4 hours per week to cover the term time, which they would continue to receive pay of 35 hours.
Each year you would complete a form to confirm the term dates you will be taking, and this is where many managers make the mistake that they can cancel the agreement at this point. Managers fail to understand that this is a contractual change and can't be cancelled at a whim but requires agreement with the individual to change. When my members no longer required these contracts, we negotiated a return to full time, but this isn't a given.

term time working isn't widely known within royal mail or the Cwu, which is why many people believe it doesn't exist.

Other options for time off would be additional paternity which allows for blocks of unpaid leave and requires 21 days' notice to the employer before taking this leave.

I have attached flexible working policies.