Term-time only working

Term-time only contracts are used in situations when the hours worked by an employee occur only during a school term or a University term. The member of staff may not undertake any work during the vacation, they may only attend important meetings or training events, or they may work reduced hours during vacation periods. Staff nevertheless remain employed during the period/s they do not attend work.

• Such arrangements are of particular benefit to parents of school-age children since it enables them to spend time at home during the holidays.
• Term-time only arrangements may be a very cost-effective approach where the nature of the work undertaken is concentrated into term-time (e.g. teaching laboratory technicians or student counsellors). It may, however,be more difficult to arrange in other roles.
• Salary is usually paid over 12 months.
• Annual leave may be taken in the vacation or taken as normal during term time as it accrues. Leave will need to be calculated in hours. Instructions and a leave calculator can be accessed from the Policy on Annual Leave
• Term-time working may not be appropriate in departments where the workload is not linked to academic terms e.g. research units.