People & Organisational Development

The University is providing additional fixed annual leave days as a gesture of appreciation in recognition of the valued contribution of colleagues. These extra days serve to support everyone in taking a well-deserved break over the festive season. 

The University will extend the festive closure period this year by a further two days, to include Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 December 2025.  

The University will close at the end of the working day on Friday, 19 December 2025, for the festive break, and reopen on Monday, 5 January 2026. 

Yes, the additional days are intended to cover the University festive closure period and should be used on Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 December 2025 (subject to exceptions where some colleagues may be required to work – see FAQ below).  

Colleagues who have booked annual leave for Monday 22 December and/or Tuesday 23 December 2025 are asked to cancel this leave via People XD.  

This year, staff may carry forward up to 7 days (pro rata for part time employees) untaken annual leave (normally limited to 5). At the end of the leave year, if a staff member has seven days or fewer remaining, this balance will be automatically carried forward in People XD.  

Additionally, the University has extended the deadline for carrying forward untaken annual leave to 30 April of the following year.  

The University appreciates there are some colleagues who may be required to provide cover over the Festive closure period, in accordance with rota arrangements already in place.  

Those colleagues who are required to work on Monday 22 and/or Tuesday 23 December 2025 will be able to take the additional “other days” leave at another time, as agreed with their line manager. 

Colleagues who are full time working a compressed working pattern are permitted to take an alternative day off in agreement with their line manager, typically the preceding working day.  

Colleagues who are part time and their non-working day falls Monday 22nd or Tuesday 23rd December 2025 should arrange with their line manager for an alternative day off, typically the preceding working day.  

This allocation does not impact your normal annual leave entitlement and will not impact your standard leave accrual. 

The 22nd and 23rd of December will be added to People XD holiday calendars as Closure Days. These work a little differently from annual leave or public holidays. They won’t reduce your annual leave balance or change any of your calculations. 

Closure Days will simply appear in your calendar if you were scheduled to work on those dates. If you weren’t due to work, they’ll show as a normal rest day, just like a weekend. 

No. Public holidays will continue to apply as usual, in line with national and University holiday calendars. 

Please make a direct enquiry to the People & OD Helpdesk or your line manager for any questions related to your leave balance or the festive closure schedule.