Following the popularity of the Additional Leave Purchase scheme in 2019, this will become an annual scheme from 2020.

The University is committed to providing policies that support work-life balance for staff, and recognises that there may be instances where staff wish to increase their annual leave for personal reasons.

This scheme has been devised to provide staff with additional flexibility in respect of planned time off work whether that be for a special occasion, an extended holiday (once travel restrictions are lifted), to help with caring responsibilities, or simply to support your wellbeing.

Applications for this year can be made from now until the end of June 2020 and the leave can be taken between July 2020 and June 2021. Full details of the scheme, including eligibility and how to apply can be found on the HR webpages.

The University recognises the impact COVID-19 is having on the usual patterns of annual leave. For some, operational pressures are affecting their leave plans, many will have had holiday plans for the coming months cancelled and, for large numbers, an increase in caring responsibilities means annual leave is not being used in the normal way.

Although social distancing is expected to continue for at least the next few months, it is still important that you take annual leave when you can. Even though most people are currently unable to leave their homes, spending time away from work is really important. We all hope that normal circumstances will resume in the coming months, which is why this annual scheme is being launched now as previously planned.