We are writing to you in relation to complaints received by UCU Cardiff regarding leave entitlement.

A number of members have reported that they are not able to have a proper break, and/or enjoy all their annual leave this year.

All workers are entitled to take leave by law. Therefore, the University should be encouraging all of us to enjoy all our leave.

We had discussed this with the University management, and they had confirmed that there is no guidance issued by the University restricting leave in any way whatsoever.

UCU Cardiff’s position is that all members of staff should be able to take all their leave this year.

We also consider the possibility that, only upon agreement with the member of staff, it may be acceptable for some members to have their leave (more specifically, up to 4 weeks of leave) carried over to next year, if their entitlement cannot be taken this year as a result of COVID-19. The latter would be only an exceptional situation, and the University management have confirmed that they could make exceptions on an individual basis. In the current situation, as for University’s policy, 10 days would be carried over for all staff if they cannot take all their leave.

If you have had restrictions imposed on you regarding leave, or for any other reason you are not able to take all your leave this year, we encourage you to come forward and contact us directly, if you would like us to discuss this with the University, in order to find a solution that it’s satisfactory to you. We had been in communication with the University management, who are willing to discuss anonymized cases. They have made it clear that they are willing to address particular cases.

If you would like us bringing your case anonymously to the University management, please let us know by contacting your dep rep, or UCU’s local office, or simply by replying to this email. Of course, you can always request a caseworker by emailing the office (ucu@cardiff.ac.uk).

With best wishes
Cardiff UCU executive

PS. Why up to four weeks of leave carried over? This is government policy