Universities and colleges agree work-life balance initiative

WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Universities and colleges agree work-life balance initiative

Universities, higher education colleges and their trade unions have agreed guidance on work-life balance to "achieve a high-quality working environment for all employees".

The 23-page document provides information on the legal requirements and sets out examples of "good practice" on:

  • flexible working
  • paternity
  • adoptive
  • parental
  • dependants' leave.

Recommended flexible working includes annualised hours, career breaks and homeworking. Each university and college will develop policies in partnership with the local unions.

Want to know more?

Title: Work-Life Balance Guidance for Higher Education Institutions, Joint Negotiating Committee for Higher Education Staff, July 2003

Availability: The report is available on the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) web site at www.ucea.ac.uk/work_life_balance.html

The Joint National Committee for Higher Education Staff (JNCHES) was established following an agreement in June 2001 between the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) and all ten unions representing staff in higher education.

The UCEA is the employers' association for "subscribing universities and other higher education institutions in the United Kingdom".

Posted 1 September 2003