Career break agreement letter
Our Career Break Agreement Letter template streamlines the process, making it easy to establish the terms and conditions for a successful career break.
5 mins
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What is a Career break agreement letter?
A career break is a mutually agreed period of leave, typically lasting between six months and two years, during which an employee takes time off from work to explore personal interests or achieve specific goals. During this break, the employee is not required to perform work for the employer and does not receive pay or benefits. Career breaks can offer employees opportunities for self-development, education, travel, family care, and stress relief, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction upon their return to work. Some employers may offer career breaks as part of their human resource policies to support employees' work-life balance and personal growth.
As soon as possible after a decision is made
The Employer (you) to the Employee
Great Britain & NI (United Kingdom), Worldwide
How can I ensure that this letteris executed effectively?
| Step | Description | Responsibility | Timing |
| 1 | Employee submits a Career Break Request | Employee | N/A |
| 2 | Employer acknowledges receipt of the request | Employer | Within 1-2 days |
| 3 | Employer reviews the request and company policy | Employer | 1-2 weeks |
| 4 | Meeting with the employee to discuss the request. Career break agreement drafted and sent to employee | Employer & Employee | Within 2-3 weeks |
| 5 | Employee reviews and signs the career break agreemen | Employer | Within 4 weeks |
What legislation and best practice guidelines have been taken into account in the development of this template?
When issuing a career break agreement letter in the UK, there are a few key employment laws that should be considered:
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Employment Contracts: The employment contract should be reviewed to ensure that it allows for career breaks and that any conditions for taking a career break are met. The employer must ensure that the employee is made aware of the conditions for taking a career break and that the terms of the career break agreement are clearly outlined in writing.
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Notice Periods: Employers should give the employee sufficient notice of the start and end dates of the career break, and any other relevant information, such as how to return to work.
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Pay and Benefits: The letter should specify whether the employee will be paid during the career break and whether any benefits, such as pension contributions, will continue.
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Right to Return: The employee's right to return to their previous job or an equivalent job after the career break should be outlined in the letter. The letter should also specify any conditions that the employee must meet in order to be able to return to work, such as giving sufficient notice of their return.
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Discrimination Law: Employers must ensure that the decision to allow an employee to take a career break is not discriminatory in any way. This means that the decision must not be based on the employee's race, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic.
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Documentation: Employers should keep detailed records of the career break agreement, including any conditions for taking the career break, the start and end dates of the career break, and any pay and benefits arrangements. This documentation may be useful in the event of any disputes or issues that arise during or after the career break.
Other territories
Consult your jurisdiction's employment legislation or labor laws to ensure compliance with the template. Review the language for local precision.
In which communication or process sequence does this template belong?
Career break request letter template
Our Career Break Request Letter template simplifies the process for employees seeking a career break, making it easier to communicate their request and reasons effectively.
