Shorter Working Year Scheme
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From: Civil Service HR
- Published on: 19 January 2026
- Last updated on: 27 April 2026
This scheme supercedes previous term time scheme.
The current term time scheme only allows for parents of school-going children up to 18 years of age to take a continuous block of 8, 10 or 13 weeks unpaid leave during the summer holidays so as to have time off with their children.
This new scheme will allow any civil servant an opportunity to take up to 3 continuous blocks of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 or 13 weeks (to a maximum of 13 weeks) unpaid leave for any reason at any time during the year.
Staff may apply for more than one period in any year subject to a maximum of 13 weeks in that year.
New entrants on probation may apply for participation in the scheme subject to certain conditions. Applicants should contact their Personnel Sections.
The periods will count as service for the purposes of increment and seniority. It will not, however, count for remuneration or superannuation purposes.
Staff participating in the Shorter Working Year Scheme may apply for special administrative arrangements for the payment of part of basic salary during the period of unpaid leave.
Staff availing of this scheme will in the majority of cases not be replaced. The widening of the scheme will reduce the paybill in the civil service. This scheme is also being rolled out to the wider public service.