The University has agreed a new approach to phased returns.  Staff returning to work following illness are sometimes recommended to phase their return to work by building up their hours gradually over a period of weeks.

There has been mixed practice across the University in how phased returns are managed.  In many cases staff were expected to use annual leave or temporarily reduce their contracted hours when phasing their return to work and HR initially proposed that all phased returns should be managed in this way.

Following representations by UNISON however, a new approach has been agreed.  For the first four weeks of a phased return staff will be paid for their normal contracted hours and will not have to use annual leave for any time not worked.  In the vast majority of cases this will be sufficient for staff to build back up to their contracted hours.

We believe this is a positive outcome that will benefit our members who are struggling to return to work after illness.