Dear Colleagues,
we have an interesting case here which I'd appreciate advice on. A research
academic, who is deemed to be working above his grade level, does not come
into work on Fridays at all. this has come to light because he has not been
attending departmental meetings which are always held on a Friday. After
consulting him we discover he belongs to a particular African Christian Sect
which does no work at all on a Friday. (so homeworking is not an option).
At the University of Kent our academics have NO proscribed hours, and the
particular Department allows academics wide freedom to come to campus only
when required. the Departmental Head now wishes to require the individual
to attend Dept. Meetings.
We are of course suggesting that the days on which the meetings are held
vary.
Our Guidelines are full of good stuff about consultation and flexibility,
but this case is a bit outside that, and the wider issue is one we would
like advice on. My inclination is that he should be allowed this leeway,
but it is quite a precedent.
ideas welcome - this could be the beginning of an EO Christmas Quiz!
best wishes,
Judith Dimond
Equality Co-ordinator
University of Kent
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