Where to go?

[DrA]

I've just been informed that if I don't use my remaining annual leave entitlements before December 8th then I'm going to forfeit it. Which means I have 7 days annual leave left to use up before then. Anyone aware of any good last minute flight or holiday package deals ex-PER (preferably in J)? Somewhere warm would be nice. Already requalified for WP for next membership year, so not especially fussed if I don't fly OW.

Anyone want to throw some ideas at me? I usually don't book holidays this late in the game as normally I have to book the time off work much earlier and I don't really know where to find last minute deals.

Thanks in advance

 

[JohnK]

Sorry I do not have any suggestions but have you tried lastminute?

P.S I did not think it was legal for companies to take away accrued annual leave.

 

[markis10]

It's illegal for annual leave to be forfeited, suggest you send your HR this link:

Can an employee forfeit annual leave?

 

[DrA]

It's illegal for annual leave to be forfeited, suggest you send your HR this link:

Can an employee forfeit annual leave?

Perhaps I used the wrong terminology in my original post. My contract comes to an end in 4 weeks, and I have been told that any accrued annual leave must be used within the contract period - even if your contract is being renewed - otherwise you lose it. So maybe "forfeit" isn't the right word.

 

[markis10]

Perhaps I used the wrong terminology in my original post. My contract comes to an end in 4 weeks, and I have been told that any accrued annual leave must be used within the contract period - even if your contract is being renewed - otherwise you lose it. So maybe "forfeit" isn't the right word.

Not sure you used the wrong term, if you don't use it you get paid it, you cannot forfeit it.

 

[DrA]

Not sure you used the wrong term, if you don't use it you get paid it, you cannot forfeit it.

That needs chasing up then, because I was told explicitly that they wouldn't pay it out, that it was a "use it or lose it" policy. I wasn't told this by HR though, but by our head of department, so it's possible they're ill informed (or stretching the truth a little too far).

 

[JohnK]

So maybe "forfeit" isn't the right word.

I still do not think it was possible to forfeit annual leave.

 

[Shelf]

In my limited experience A/L is paid out at the end of a contract. Contact your HR people.

Are there any places you don't want to visit?

 

[DrA]

Are there any places you don't want to visit?

No Middle Eastern countries.

Somewhere warm with a nice beach or a nice resort pool would be preferable, but beyond that I'm not too fussy.

Honestly, I'd prefer to get the leave paid out, but I'll keep planning a holiday until I find out for sure one way or the other. Will try and talk to HR tomorrow.

 

[Mavrrix]

That needs chasing up then, because I was told explicitly that they wouldn't pay it out, that it was a "use it or lose it" policy. I wasn't told this by HR though, but by our head of department, so it's possible they're ill informed (or stretching the truth a little too far).

If you are employed in Australia, a "use it or lose it" policy would be illegal.

 

[DrA]

If you are employed in Australia, a "use it or lose it" policy would be illegal.

From our HR website:

Employees on a fixed term contract which is externally funded may be required to clear any leave before the expiry of their contract.

I am on an externally funded fixed term contract.

 

[markis10]

I am on an externally funded fixed term contract.

You have to love some HR departments (I have a significant issue with one at present), although their incompetantance can work in your favor as I am finding out once you get the advice of someone who knows the law etc.

 

[Shelf]

I am on an externally funded fixed term contract.

'May' is an interesting choice.

 

[Simo]

Is Asia on the radar???

 

[DrA]

Is Asia on the radar???

Sure. Was probably the direction I was looking anyway. Cheap and warm

 

[Simo]

Then all you have to do really is work out what type of Holiday you would like to do.

 

[harvyk]

A contract with a leave entitlement? Is that a paid leave entitlement?
Every contract I've ever had was a if you where at work = you got paid, if you where not at work = no pay for you.

 

[DrA]

A contract with a leave entitlement? Is that a paid leave entitlement?
Every contract I've ever had was a if you where at work = you got paid, if you where not at work = no pay for you.

I am a university academic and I work on a contract basis. My contracts are usually 12-24 months in length, which necessitates having leave entitlements etc.

 

[Shelf]

I am a university academic and I work on a contract basis. My contracts are usually 12-24 months in length, which necessitates having leave entitlements etc.

The ARC aren't my favourite Govt body this week :|

 

[DrA]

The ARC aren't my favourite Govt body this week :|

No, I don't think they're most people's favorite. I've almost given up on trying to get ARC funding. I'm no longer eligible to apply for DECRA grants as of this year, and I'm not senior enough to get Discovery grants in the general round. I've been pulling in money from industry for a while now, but since everyone's had a R&D budget freeze, I can't get any more. Going to have to make some serious life choices soon.