rom today, Flexible Service has been introduced which allows regular personnel of the armed forces to ask to temporarily work part time and /or restrict their separation from home base.
Regular personnel can find out how Flexible Service will impact their pay and benefits at Discover Flexible Service.
The need for flexibility
Society’s expectations are changing, so the MOD has modernised the flexibility of its offer to help recruit and retain people in an increasingly competitive employment market. Flexible Service is the latest step in the journey following the introduction of the Flexible Working Policy in 2015, and the Flexible Duties Trial which have shown there is a real appetite for this type of change.
How it works
Flexible Service allows regular members of the armed forces to seek:
- part time work, reducing work routines by 20% or 40% equating to one or two days in a five day working week.
- restricted separation from home base for no more than 35 days a year.
Both options can be taken together.
Applications can be made for any reason but are limited in length to no more than three years continuously and no more than four years total in a 12 year rolling period. The arrangement can be varied, suspended or ended if needed.
Operational capability will come first
Flexible Service is not guaranteed for those who ask and operational capability will come first. While most benefits are unaffected pay, pension and, in the case of part time working, leave are reduced proportionately. See here fore our previous note on how it may affect pensions
Further information
For more information and advice on applications, regular members of the armed forces should contact their unit HR Office or discuss Flexible Service with their line manager.
Flexible Service is one of a number of projects that aim to transform the way we support service personnel and their families and create a modern and inclusive armed forces that attracts, retains and values its people.
Source and Further Information at: Ministry of Defence GOV.UK
