Career Break
You can apply for a career break if you have more than 12 months service.
A career break is an ideal option if you need between 3 months and 5 years away from work and would like to return. Normally you would not be able to work whilst on a career break.
A career break can be requested for reasons, including but not limited to childcare, eldercare, care for another dependant, training, study leave or work abroad, other reasons will be considered on their merits.
Benefits
- Support the member of staff with personal commitments or desire for further study
- Retain skills and knowledge on return
- Member of staff returns with widened knowledge and experience
How will a career break affect me
If your career break is agreed, you will receive a written summary via the online form which will outlie your agreement.
During a career break you won’t be paid, and you won’t receive increments, but you will remain employed meaning your service won’t be broken.
Your career break will not count as service when calculating annual leave, sick pay, contractual redundancy pay and any other benefits that are based on length of service.
You won’t be entitled to any benefits such as sick pay during your career break.
If your role is affected by organisational change while you are on your career break, your manager will contact you to let you know and include you in the consultation process.
Returning to work after a career break
If you return to work within 12 months your manager will aim for you to return to your previous role. If your break is for more than 12 months, you may be asked to return to a similar role but with the same salary.
You should give notice if you want to return to work earlier, or later than the agreed date. You should give 2 months if the career break is less than 12 months and 6 months if the career break is more than 12 months.
You should keep up to date with your professional registration (if applicable) and your manager will agree with you how you will be re-inducted when you return.
If you decide you do not want to return from your career break you must inform your manager in writing, giving the amount of notice in your contract.
Points to Consider
- Career breaks can be between 3 months up to a maximum of 5 years.
- Those on career breaks will not normally be allowed to take up paid employment with another employee
- The effect of the break on various entitlements related to length of service
- If the member of staff returns to work within one year, the same job will be available, as far as is reasonably practicable;
- If the break is longer than one year, the applicant may return to as similar a job as possible ensuring a return to work at the equivalent salary level
- What are the arrangements for keeping in touch during the break
- There is requirement for the member of staff to keep up to date with their relevant professional registration needs (if applicable), including attendance at specified training courses and conferences
- What training arrangements will be needed for re-induction to work
- A career break will impact your benefits and pension contributions. For additional advice contact the services below.
NHS Pensions and general helpline
(08:00-18:00, Monday-Friday. Calls are charged at local rates)
NHS Pensions Choice 2 member helpline
(08:00-18:00, Monday-Friday. Calls are charged at local rates)
UHB Pensions Team
If you still need further assistance, the Trust’s pensions Team may be able to help. (Open 09:00-17:00, Monday-Friday)
Practical Tips
Apply for a career break via the flexible working request online form: