On occasions staff working standard hours are unable to participate in activities or attend to matters of an important personal nature due to restricted working hours.

Managers should be encouraged to be as flexible as their programs allow to assist staff on such occasions who do not have the benefit of flexible working hours.

For example, some religions expect their members to attend services or prayers only provided on specified days and times. Another example is staff wishing to attend lunch time union meetings.

Managers may use discretion subject to the following conditions:

a) an adequate level of service is maintained;

b) staff must seek prior approval;

c) any approval to vary hours must not provide a greater benefit than would be available under flexible working hours conditions;

d) the person starts work earlier or finishes later in order to complete the contract work hours for the day.

Would you please advise all sub-Departments and other Authorities which come within or are associated with your administration.

R. G. Humphry,
Director-General.