Shift allowance

Shift allowances and flexibility allowances are both types of additional pay but for different purposes. 

A flexibility allowance is paid to individuals who do not work traditional shift patterns, but there are occasions where they are required to be flexible to meet the needs of the Service. Flexibility allowance compensates for adaptability in working patterns. 

A shift allowance is paid to individuals who work traditional shift patterns, meaning that their working pattern varies from week to week on a rota basis. The allowance compensates staff for the inconvenience of their weekly working hours fluctuating on a rotational basis. It is not payable where an individual works the same hours every week, even if those hours are outside of normal office hours. Additionally the shift allowance is not contingent on job roles or responsibilities, or time and effort.

The University has adopted a points system for determining an appropriate shift allowance payment, dependent on the shift pattern worked for staff on grades 1 -5. 

This has been developed in conjunction with colleagues in Unison and Unite.

The information below outlines this system, should you require further advice, please contact your HR contact for further information and support.

Shift allowance system

1. Starting time of early shift

  • 0 points - After 7:31am
  • 1 points - 6:31am–7:30am
  • 2 points - 6.30am or earlier

2. Finishing time of late shift

  • 0 points - Before 8.59pm
  • 1 points - 9.00pm – 10.30pm
  • 2 points - 10.31pm or later

3. Working between 10.31pm and 6.30am

  • 10 points - Night Shift

4. Number of different shifts

(only count as different if more than 30 mins difference)

  • 0 points - 0-1
  • 1 point - 2–4
  • 2 points - 5–9
  • 3 points - 10-15

5. Weekends worked in 12 week period

  • 1 point - 0–3
  • 3 points - 4–6
  • 6 points - 7–9
  • 9 points - 10 +

Points

  • 1 point - 2% allowance
  • 2-6 points - 5% allowance
  • 7-13 points - 12.5% allowance
  • 14-16 points - 19% allowance
  • 17+ points - 27% allowance

 

Approved by Council November 2014
Author: Anne Lamb
Date: April 2014, updated November 2016