Table of contents
NSSO HR Shared Services
Telephone numbers: 076 107 1000;
Emails: contact@nsso.gov.ie;
Many Government departments and offices operate a system of flexible working hours (FWH), or ‘flexi leave’. Under this system, civil servants must work their full quota of hours, but they are given much more flexibility in doing so.
Since 1 July 2013, the Civil Service normal attendance period is 09.00 to 17.45 Monday to Thursday and 09.00 to 17.15 on Fridays. Most civil servants will work 43.25 hours gross per week, i.e. inclusive of lunch breaks.
Staff may, within certain limits, vary their arrival times, departure times, and lunch breaks. Hours that are open to variation in this way are known as ‘flexible hours’. The main part of the day, when all staff should be at their jobs, is not open to variation and is known as ‘Core Time’*. A typical working day under FWH might be divided as follows, subject to the business need in the area:
08.00 – 10.00
Flexible Morning Band
Staff may start work any time during this band. Time worked before 08.00 will not gain credit.
10.00 – 12.30
Morning Core Time
Staff must be present during this period unless on an authorised absence.
12.30 – 14.30
Flexible Lunch Band
Staff must take a minimum lunch break of 30 minutes but the break may be extended to last up to 2 hours.
14.30 – 16.00
Afternoon Core Time
Staff must be present during this period unless on an authorised absence.
16.00 – 19.00
Flexible Evening Band
Staff may finish work any time during this band. Time worked after 19.00 will not gain credit.
Under flexible working hours, staff are allowed to work up additional time which they can then take as time off (flexi-leave). To qualify for flexi leave, you must have built up credit as follows:
(i) 3 hours 42 minutes to be absent for one morning core period (or one half day a.m.);
(ii) 3 hours 42 minutes to be absent for one afternoon core period (or one half day p.m.);
(iii) 7 hours 24 minutes to be absent for one full day.
The maximum amount of flexi leave allowed in any flexi period is one and a half days.
Please note: in some workplaces, it may be necessary to amend the core time bands to reflect the additional working hours and to meet the business needs. However, any changes to core time bands will be only follow detailed consultation at workplace level.
Employees must apply for flexi leave through the time and attendance system in their departments and offices. Flexi leave is only managed locally in departments and offices, not by the NSSO.
