University Christmas closure period to be extended

08 Oct 2020

A message from Karen Heaton, Director of Human Resources

Dear colleagues

2020 has been the most challenging of years and I’m sure many of us are looking forward to a well-deserved break over the Christmas and New Year period.

In recognition of the exceptional hard work from colleagues the University Christmas closure period will be extended this year.  Our University will close at the end of Friday, 18 December 2020 and reopen on Monday, 4 January 2021. 

Monday, 21 December to Thursday, 24 December; and Tuesday, 29 Thursday to Thursday, 31 December will be classed as University closure days and you will not need to take them as annual leave.  Friday, 25 December, Monday, 28 December and Friday, 1 January 2021 are Bank Holidays.

My particular thanks go to those colleagues who will continue to work over the Christmas period in order to keep vital services open.  If you’re asked to work on a closure day or Bank Holiday you will be able to take the time off in lieu at a later date as agreed with your manager.

In addition, following positive feedback from colleagues we will be having another ‘meetings light’ period when staff will be asked to reduce their meeting commitments and postpone non-essential online meetings.  We are currently discussing when this will be and will communicate the dates shortly. 

Best wishes

Karen Heaton

Director of Human Resources