This Christmas we want as many staff as possible to have a coordinated two-week break to rest and recharge

While essential operations and services will continue, most staff are encouraged to take an extended break from Monday 20 December, returning to work on Tuesday 4 January 2022.

Taking time off this Winter

This year, colleagues:

• are strongly encouraged to use their annual leave entitlement so that they're away from work on 20, 21 and 22 of December
• should use the two additional leave days, specially granted to support the extended break, on 23 and 24 December
• should, as usual, use their annual leave entitlement for the three public holidays and the three customary closure days falling between 27 December and 3 January

Part-time staff have a pro-rated leave entitlement (including for 23 and 24 December), but they will need to book less time off to enjoy the extended break. Further guidance on annual leave entitlement, including a leave calculator, can be found on the HR webpages.

Guidance is available for departments on how to manage the additional leave entitlement in their local leave system. Guidance for leave administrators.

Maintaining essential services

We recognise that this timing might not be appropriate for everyone. There will be teams dealing with urgent demands ahead of the Spring term, including some January starts for courses, and those working to maintain essential services and supporting our on campus student community over the festive season. Where individuals are required to work on 23 and 24 December, line managers should agree on a time when the two additional leave days can be taken before the end of March 2022.

We have produced a series of FAQs to help managers and staff navigate queries on the winter leave arrangements: FAQs on the 2021/22 winter break.