Members Guidance: How to Deal with the University’s Proposed Changes to the Annual Leave Year

Dear Members

You will have received an email with the contextual background to this issue today (18/2/21).

However, staff need to take their leave and we understand that you may be anxious about when you can take your leave for a host of reasons. Thankfully the Chief People Officer (Magi Hoppitt) has assured staff in her email on 12/2/21:

I have been informed that a few of you have been told you are not able to book leave due to business needs. This should not be the case; if you experience any problems in booking your leave, please speak to your line manager or contact the People Advisor for your area… 

Chief People Officer

This clearly means that your leave should not be unreasonably refused.  

Guidance for All Members

  1. You should not be working during any annual leave.
  2. Please immediately plan and book your leave for a period of time that is convenient for you.  Planning can then be done by your Line Manager.
    • For example, you may consider taking your leave during teaching and marking blocks. This does not mean you work during your leave.
  3. As well as submitting your request via CHRIS also inform your Line Manager by email of your Annual Leave dates and copy into the email your respective branch: 
  4. If you are taking leave during marking time or teaching commitments, please inform your Line Manager that you are unable to complete your commitments and will not meet deadlines for marking as you will be on annual leave.
  5. If your Line Manager refuses your leave, then refer them to Magi’s email above. Inform UCU via the appropriate email above so that we can support you further.  

Guidance for Members who are Line Managers

  1. Please follow the above processes and make sure to book your own leave.
  2. Please approve leave for your staff and if you can’t then seek advice from:
    • Your own line manager or your People Team Advisor.
  3. Work with your own Line Manager to exhaust all options to ensure all staff can take their full leave entitlement.

If you are unsure about your annual leave allowance please check the People Gateway FAQs.  In summary you are entitled to your full annual leave entitlement and should take your leave!

Coventry UCU Committee & CU Group UCU Committee

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