A pilot scheme, which will enable civil servants to accrue 1.5 days flexi-leave per month, will commence in November.

The introduction of the scheme follows discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform under the terms of the Lansdowne Road Agreement to restore the maximum flexi-leave of 1.5 days per flexi period.

National secretary for IMPACT's Civil Service division Andy Pike explained, "These arrangements will commence in the November flexi-leave period and 1.5 days leave can be taken within the November period if staff have built up sufficient credit.

"The pilot will be reviewed in six months, within the context that the average amount of flexi-leave taken across the service should not exceed 13 days per annum. The current average is approximately seven days per annum" he said.

Andy added that a management circular will issue shortly to confirm arrangements for the pilot.