Instructions on the requirement to take annual leave have been clarified in a number of state agencies after close consultation with unions.

Driving testers in the Road Safety Authority (RSA) must take seven days’ annual leave by 31st July. These can be counted from 1st February 2020.

Staff must also ensure they take their 20 days’ statutory leave per annum by the end of the year, availing of a two week block of continuous leave as provided for in the Organisation of Working time Act. The RSA stated employees must ensure that leave is availed of in line with circular 27/03. 

Employees are encouraged to avail of leave in advance of returning to work, where possible.

Meanwhile, management in Pobal have also come to an agreement with Fórsa which ensures the health and welfare of staff and avoids large leave balances accumulating.

All staff have been required to take a minimum of 12 days’ annual leave by August 31st 2020. Similar to the RSA, employees must also take the statutory minimum amount of 20 days’ leave by the end of the year.

Pobal staff are advised to plan ahead and engage with line managers on applications, with the flexibility of carrying leave over from 2020 to 2021 increased to eight days.

If you have any questions about annual leave in your workplace you should contact your HR department.

Read Fórsa’s advice on returning to your workplace HERE.

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