GSP 14-25 Term Time 2026
08/December/2025
Description
An Post attempted arbitrary changes to the Term Time arrangements for 2025 on the basis they contended that they were no longer fit for purpose, were not cost neutral and negatively impacted customer service standards. The Union Group did not accept this, as the difficulties are more attributable to failings on managements part in the administration of the scheme.
In finalising revised arrangements to apply for 2025, it was agreed to review early to assist with discussions for 2026. In preparation, we sought feedback from Branches in August, receiving a very high number of responses, summarised as follows.
- The importance of the scheme and the need for it to continue
- A small number indicated that the application was not successful in their office
- The delay in finalising agreement resulted in a delay in recruiting staff
- There were problems in inducting and training
- Some staff recruited against Term Time were utilised against sick leave
- Sick leave was an issue
- The scheme is essential as it gives staff a break prior to Peak
Unfortunately, the company failed to engage in a meaningful manner and delayed advancing workable proposals until the eleventh hour. Notwithstanding this, we have now finalised the arrangements to apply for 2026, as outlined below.
- To reduce the age of children for whom term time applications will be considered from the current maximum age of 18 years to 13 years, to align this with the statutory age for Parental Leave.
- The maximum Term Time leave period will be 4 weeks.
- Management decisions will be made in consideration of the viability of approving this leave, where other forms of leave are sought immediately before or after this leave.
- Parental and other statutory leaves over Term Time will be prioritised.
- Replacement for Term Time cover will only be considered in frontline areas and areas with defined customer Service Level Agreements.
The Executive Council accepted the revised arrangement for 2026, on the basis of it being the best achievable, to ensure Term Time leave remains available.
The Company has confirmed applications will be processed online from today, Monday. The Term Time notice and link will be sent to employees via their Company email address, which has been provided to everyone. The notice will also be available on the An Post app. If any individual has an issue with the online application, they can contact the HR Helpdesk who will assist them in completing the online form. The Company will seek documentary evidence in all cases.