Career Break From Public Service

floyd333

How long do you have to be in a public sector job before you are entitled to a career break? I work for a government agency where all new staff start on 3 year contracts but are usually made permanent after about 2 years. I'm hoping to head off traveling when I hit 2 years in my job in January 2009. Also how much notice are you supposed to give when applying for a career break?

inarut

It depends on the area and department you're working in but usually on being made permanent after 2 years, you are then eligible for a career break. As for notice, at least one month in advance will suffice.
I'm on a cb myself 2 years after being made permanent but that was my choice- could have taken it at an earlier stage if I wanted to.

BC

In my place its once you have completed your probation, which was 1 year for me.

After that you are eligible for a career break not entitled to one.

floyd333

Cheers for the info lads. Think I'll make a discreet inquiry with the HR manager..

inarut wrote: »

It depends on the area and department you're working in but usually on being made permanent after 2 years, you are then eligible for a career break. As for notice, at least one month in advance will suffice.
I'm on a cb myself 2 years after being made permanent but that was my choice- could have taken it at an earlier stage if I wanted to.

BC wrote: »

In my place its once you have completed your probation, which was 1 year for me.

After that you are eligible for a career break not entitled to one.

Paddytheplaster

Hi Folks, I have just been granted a career break which is due to begin in October. However, on receiving the good news my HR dept have informed me that my career break can go ahead for now with a sting in the tale.....

If a recruitment freeze was to happen within the next two months while I am preparing for the break the Career Break can be resinded immediately. E.g. a week before I leave a Minister can wave his magic wand and freeze all recruitment, special leave etc. Therefore, no one will be made available to replace me.

I have a document that has Career Break approved but this clause is in it. Thus, I am in limbo for next few months.

I have two choices try and go now, where no ban exists or
wait until Oct and pray no recruitment ban comes into effect.

Any ideas. Thanks in advance.:)

zac8

if a recruitment freeze is imposed while you are on your career break then you may find it difficult to get back. happened to somebody i know in hse. she left before the freeze there and now can't get back. she has to wait for an opening.

Paddytheplaster

Thanks Zac. Its seems like risk now.

lily_white08

I work under the direction of Dublin City Council, but not directly for them.

I'm looking into taking a break myself, and at the moment you can take up to ten years off in five years blocks.
After the first five years you must return to work for five years, then you may be permitted to take a second five years. It does affect your super-ann, as in it stops at the service level you left at unless you keep contributing to it.
You return to work at the same pay grade as when you left, but they have the right to place you in any department or station that they see fit, depending on manning levels and requirements.

PM me for more details, hope this helps!