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Sabbatical agreement letter

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Our Sabbatical Agreement Letter template formalises sabbatical terms, providing clarity and structure for employees and the company during extended leaves.

Reading time
How long to understand and implement this letter?
10 mins
Word count
How many words in this letter?
476
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What is a Sabbatical agreement letter?

A Sabbatical agreement letter is a document that outlines the terms and conditions of a sabbatical leave granted to an employee. A sabbatical is a period of leave from work granted to an employee for professional or personal development, research, or travel. The letter typically includes information about the duration of the sabbatical, the terms and conditions of the leave, any financial arrangements, and the employee's responsibilities during the leave.

It is important for both the employer and the employee to have a clear understanding of the terms and conditions of the sabbatical leave, which is why a Sabbatical agreement letter is often used. This document helps to avoid any misunderstandings or disputes that may arise during the sabbatical leave.

Best practice timescale for this to be issued
When should this letter be issued?
As soon as possible after a decision is made
Issued by who, to whom
Who should issue this letter, and to whom?
The Incoming employer to the Employee
Applicable legal jurisdictions
In which jurisdictions can this letter be used?
Great Britain & NI (United Kingdom), Worldwide

What legislation and best practice guidelines have been taken into account in the development of this template?

United Kingdom

There are several UK employment law considerations that employers and employees should be aware of when it comes to sabbaticals.

Firstly, there is no legal right to take a sabbatical, and whether or not an employee can take one will be a decision purely for the employer. Employers will need to consider issues such as how the employee's workload will be covered during their absence, and what arrangements will be made for the employee's return to work.

Employees will have rights to certain benefits during their sabbatical if the contract of empoyment is not terminated.

  • Pension contributions should continue if the employer pays salary during the sabbatical.
  • Other contractual benefits, such as healthcare, death in service etc., should also continue.
  • Annual leave will continue to accrue.

It is important for employers and employees to communicate clearly and agree on the terms of the sabbatical before it begins, to avoid any misunderstandings or disputes.


Other territories

Consult your jurisdiction's employment legislation or labor laws to ensure compliance with the template. Review the language for local precision.

Sabbatical agreement [Delete this line]

[Company name]

[Sender address]

 

[date]

[Recipient name]

[Recipient address]

 

Dear [Recipient first name],

Thank you for submitting your request for a sabbatical from your position as [Your Position] at [Company Name], effective [Start Date] until [End Date]. We appreciate your dedication to your work and your desire to take a sabbatical to pursue [insert reason for sabbatical, e.g. further education, travel and cultural experiences, spend time with family, etc.].

We are pleased to confirm that your application has been approved in accordance with our company's sabbatical leave policy. This letter outlines the terms and conditions of your sabbatical leave, which will commence on [Start Date] and conclude on [End Date].

1. Purpose of Sabbatical

Your sabbatical leave is intended to provide you with an opportunity for personal development, rest, and rejuvenation. We encourage you to use this time to pursue activities that enhance your wellbeing, knowledge, and skills.

2. Duration

Your sabbatical leave will be for a duration of [Number] months, starting from [Start Date] and ending on [End Date].

3. Compensation and Benefits

During your sabbatical leave, your regular salary will [not] continue in full. [However, you will be entitled to receive a partial payment of [Percentage]% of your base salary. This payment will be made on a [Monthly/Weekly] basis, subject to standard deductions.

You will continue to receive the following benefits: [list benefits that will continue, such as healthcare, Pension Contributions (if salary is paid in full / part etc.)]

4. Responsibilities and Expectations

a. Communication: You are expected to maintain open communication with your colleagues and team during your sabbatical. Regular check-ins and updates on your well-being are encouraged.

b. Return to Work: You agree to return to work on [Return Date] and be ready to resume your duties and responsibilities on the agreed-upon date.

c. Project Completion: If you have ongoing projects or responsibilities, you are expected to ensure a smooth transition and provide necessary handover documents before your sabbatical begins.

5. Annual Leave Accrual

During your sabbatical leave, your annual leave will continue to accrue in accordance with our company's annual leave policy. This can be used upon your return from sabbatical, subject to the company's leave approval process.

6. Reapplication

After completing your sabbatical, you may apply for another sabbatical leave after an additional [Number] years of continuous service following your return from the previous sabbatical.

7. Agreement Acknowledgment

By signing below, you acknowledge and agree to the terms and conditions outlined in this sabbatical agreement. You understand that failure to adhere to these terms may impact your sabbatical leave and your return to work.

Please sign and return a copy of this letter to indicate your acceptance of the terms and your commitment to the agreed-upon responsibilities.

We look forward to your sabbatical and wish you a productive and fulfilling leave.

_________________________

 

I hereby acknowledge and accept the terms and conditions outlined in this sabbatical agreement:

Employee's Signature: ______________________ Date: ____________________

Yours [faithfully | sincerely],

 

 

[Sender name]

[Sender job title]

[Sender telephone]
[Sender email]

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Letters
Sabbatical request letter template

This template is used by employees to formally request a sabbatical leave, providing details about the purpose, duration, and any relevant arrangements or commitments.

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Sabbatical agreement letter template
sabbatical agreement letter