We have received a number of queries from members in relation to the Public Holiday arrangements for Christmas 2015. The HSE has issued a circular (here) on this matter and this has led to some concern.

We are issuing this email to clarify the situation. AS per the IMO HSE LRC agreement on annual leave (copy available here) NCHD’s receive 12 days annual leave + 4/5 extra days to cover the liability for Public Holidays. This entitlement is 5 for July to January.

For this Christmas the following arrangements will apply:

Christmas Day (25^th December) falls on a Friday. If you work on this day you will receive single time extra. If you are rostered off on this day you may use a day’s annual leave to take this as a paid days leave, or you may take this as a day’s unpaid leave. If you work on the day or take a day’s unpaid leave you will  have the day as one of your 5 extra days to take.

St Stephens Day (26^th December) falls on Saturday. As you are a 5/7 worker the following will apply:

• If you work on the day you will receive single time extra and still have one of your extra 5 days to take;
• If you are rostered off and have worked/used leave equivalent to 39 hours you will still have one of your extra 5 days to take;
• If you are rostered off and this would be part of your core 39 hours you may use one of your extra days or you may take a day’s unpaid leave

Monday, 28^th December will be treated as a regular working day for 5/7 workers.