Leave 

Zero days (Approx 16 days per year)

These are days trainees get off for long working on your on calls you will get days off which are called zero days. Generally you will get 3 to 5 days every 8 – 10 weeks. (Each completed cycle). Each cycle will consist of regular working days, 14 days and nights on calls . You are free on those days, but you might choose to use these days for clinics, audits or training for your exams.

Annual leave (approx 28 working days per year)

These will be your entitled leave, please plan your leave early and put in early so that your leave is granted. A minimum of 6 weeks notice is required. If you are on call, you are expected to swap these days. Please understand that there are busy periods, where you may to be granted leave (e.g. christmas, Easter).

Study leave (approx 10 days per year)

These are discretionary and will be granted for attending courses, private study and preparation for your examinations. Pleas book in early by planning well in advance.

Sick leave (up to 6 months per year)

This is a closely monitored leave and if you call in sickies, you will be refused and asked to put in a GP leave form. Most doctors take 1 -2 days of sick leave per year. On average, among all the staff, sickness stands at 5 days per year. Your supervisor will be asked your your sick leave record when you apply for your next job. Of course no one is going to question you if you are admitted to hospital or undergo surgery. 

You will have to do a return to work interview with your line manager.

Carers leave/ emergency leave (up to 5 days per year )

This is at discretion and will be given if a person whom you care for is admitted to hospital or unwell. (e.g. child). This is not an entitled leave and your manager can ask you to take annual leave)

Professional leave/ Trust Leave (up to 10 days per year)

These are days where you are relieved from your clinical duties to attend deanery/ RCP/ Trust related business. (e.g. interviewer at the core medical training interviews, Royal college examiner). Most trusts view this as the same as study leave but strictly these days are not for your professional development. The trust can refuse it if the leave application is not beneficial for the trust.