Two-tier system brought in for holidays

ANNUAL LEAVE:THE GOVERNMENT'S reforms of leave arrangements in the public service are not expected to affect the bulk of staff unless they currently have more than 32 days off each year or accept promotion in the future.

The Government has essentially opted for a two-tier system of leave across the public service.

For all serving staff the total level of leave available will range from a minimum of 22 days to a maximum of 32 days a year depending on grade.

For new staff joining the public service there will be a minimum of 22 days and a maximum of 30 days off each year.

Existing staff who take promotion will be treated as new entrants for leave purposes. In other words, they will get a maximum of 30 days leave, rather than 32.

The new maximum levels of leave include annual leave as well as traditional privilege days (which are to be incorporated into annual leave).

The maximum levels will also include days off given to staff in cases where their organisation closes down, such as at Christmas.

Controversial days off given to some staff in the public service to attend local festivals or race meetings are to be abolished.

Staff who have more than 32 days’ leave including annual leave, privilege days, and/or leave associated with business closures or local events, will see this reduced to the new 32-day maximum.

The change will start when the 2012 leave year starts.

However, staff who lose leave will receive compensation. This will not be monetary compensation but rather such staff will receive a once-off provision of time off which equates to 1½ times the amount of leave they will lose.

For example, a public service employee who loses two days’ leave will get an additional three days’ leave, on a once-off basis.

A small number of staff will receive additional leave under the new arrangements.

Those who currently get less than 22 days’ leave per year will see this increased to the new minimum threshold of 22 days.