Flexible working hours scheme - flexitime
We operate a flexible working hours scheme, known as flexitime. This is subject to operational and service needs. Service areas may operate different flexible working schemes. The provision of this scheme is entirely discretionary.
It is not suitable for all service and work areas therefore we do not automatically offer it. We will advise employees if the scheme is available and the specific details for their area.
The scheme is designed to offer employees more flexibility. Employees can start and finish work at times that suit them or take time out during the day to attend an appointment. Flexibility is subject to business demands, operational needs and colleague agreement. We must always provide the appropriate cover. We will agree on standard or core working hours as required.
The following is a common scheme that we provide:
- earliest start time - 7.30am
- latest start time - 9.30am
- core time (morning) - 9.30am to 11.45am
- earliest start time for lunch - 11.45am
- minimum lunch period - 30 minutes (unpaid)
- latest finishing time for lunch - 2.30pm
- core time (afternoon) - 2.30pm to 3.15pm
- earliest finishing time - 3.15pm (subject to working a minimum two hour afternoon)
- latest finishing time - 6.30pm
- earliest start and latest finish (band) time - 7.30am to 6.30pm
- standard day - seven hours 24 minutes
- half-day - three hours 42 minutes
- time recorded to the nearest five minutes
Employees will work the standard basic core hours.
Services may also operate:
- office, telephone and e-mail cover rotas based on service delivery times
- service level agreements on response times for queries (such as within 24 hours)
Employees using flexi-time will log their hours worked each day on a flexitime sheet. If the hours worked are above or below their contracted hours at the end of the week or month, they can agree to work fewer or more hours in the next week or month. This may be agreed as:
- additional working time
- time off in full or half days (flexi-leave)
- being worked or taken back in smaller amounts such as an hour during or at the end of the day. This is also sometimes referred to as time off in lieu.
Employees are required to discuss and agree with their manager when they will be available to work. Employees will look to keep their additional and deficit hours to a minimum by the end of each 4-week period.
Flexi-time can be useful to help employees to manage their lives around work. For example, to attend a personal appointment during the day
Employees can convert additional hours into flexi-leave. The suggested maximum rate is 24 half days or 12 full days per year for full time employees (reduced pro-rata for part time employees). Flexi-leave is subject to the normal controls for booking annual leave.
Senior leaders will be given flexibility to undertake their duties as and when required. To ensure a healthy work-life balance, senior leaders can take time back following irregular peaks in workload. In most cases this will be by annual leave, however 'flexi leave' or ‘time off in lieu’ can also be agreed in exceptional circumstances.