A reduced working year contract is that, at the beginning of each year, you formally agree with NHS Grampian the times you will work and the times you will take unpaid leave. Such contracts represent an opportunity for you to work during certain agreed periods of the year while maintaining your career prospects and personal development. 

One of the most common reasons for a reduced working year contract is term time working i.e. a formal agreement under which the employee carries out their duties (on either a full time, or part time basis) during school term time. This allows the employee to remain on a substantive contract which allows them to take unpaid leave during school holidays, with the salary of the post being reduced according to the amount of unpaid leave required by the employee. It should be noted, however, that term time working is included solely as an example of one reason for a reduced working year contract. The principles of reduced working year contracts will, therefore, apply regardless of whether a contract is explicitly linked to school terms, or whether you have parental responsibilities. 

For all flexible working requests there is elibility criteia outlined in the policy. To see full detail of Reduced Working Year and details on how to apply, please look at the Flexible Working Policy in the link below.

https://workforce.nhs.scot/policies/flexible-work-pattern-policy-overview/

(Please note that intranet links can only be accessed on NHS Grampian computers, if you need further information please speak to your manager)