C2008-03 Accessing Leave Entitlements and Flexible Work Hours Arrangements to observe Religious Duties

The purpose of this circular is to highlight the Government’s commitment to accommodate the culturally diverse nature of the public sector workforce. This circular applies to all Public Service Departments.

Chief Executives are asked to distribute the attached list - Days of Religious Significance for Multicultural NSW for the Year 2008.  The Community Relations Commission of New South Wales has provided this information.

Chief Executives are also asked to remind managers and supervisors to be sensitive in accommodating the needs of employees requiring access to their leave entitlements and flexible work hours for the purposes of observing religious duties. Further details are contained in Chapter 6, Section 13 of the Personnel Handbook available on the Department of Premier and Cabinet website at http://www.dpc.nsw.gov.au/publications/personnel_handbook

We are encouraging all government organisations in the NSW Public Sector including State Owned Corporations to put in place policies to accommodate religious practices where practicable. To access leave for religious reasons, employees are required to seek the agreement of the relevant Manager.

(signed)

Robyn Kruk
Director General

Issued: Workforce Planning, Development and Equity, Public Employment Office
Contact: Ana Guinea, Senior Adviser, Workforce Planning, Development and Equity
EMail: ana.guinea@dpc.nsw.gov.au
Telephone no: 9228 3250 Facsimile: 9228 5087
File no: PSM/05206
Date: 18 January 2008

This circular supersedes Circular no. 2007-06