As many of our members are aware a pilot term time initiative was launched during the summer of 2004. Agreement has now been reached on a further initiative for 2005. Term time working provides for unpaid leave for the purpose of allowing employees balance their work and life arrangements. The period of term time leave is unpaid leave and is a continuous period of leave varying from a minimum of four weeks to a maximum of thirteen weeks. This leave will initially be available in the period 1st June 2005 to 30th September 2005.

Applicants for participation in the pilot scheme in the summer of 2005 will be required to formally apply by filling out the relevant form, which can be obtained from HR Shared Services.  This Form should be submitted to the relevant local Human Resource Manager.  The Form should be submitted no later than 25th February 2005. It is intended that applicants will be notified by 18th March 2005 as to whether or not they are being offered the opportunity to participate in the scheme.

The 2005 Pilot Schemes will operate in the following areas.
· Retail
· Wholesale Networks
· Central Services

The terms and conditions of the scheme are the same as the previous scheme (please refer to HR Circular 16/04) with one exception in relation to the sick leave criteria. Following representations from the CWU & CPSU, appeals will be granted in relation to sick leave and will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Branch Secretaries are requested to inform the Union of appeals of this nature.

The Company reserves the right to refuse applications to participate in the scheme where it is not possible to make suitable arrangements to cover the work. In all cases the final decision in relation to participation in the pilot scheme will rest with management.

Term time leave is not guaranteed for any individual. Management in the light of the applications received and the operational needs of the particular area will decide the particular roles, which would be considered suitable for inclusion. Similarly, where there are a number of applications from a particular work area it may be necessary to limit the number of participants in the scheme from that area, for that year.

Finally as there will be a review in September, Branch Secretaries are requested to record the following information:
· The number of members who availed of the scheme
· Location
· How absences were covered
· The number of refused applications
· The number of members turned down for sick leave & the number of appeals granted

Further details on the policy and terms and conditions are available from HR Shared Services or from HR Line Support.