Keeping in Touch Days
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What are Keeping in Touch (KIT) Days?
KIT days are a government initiative allowing employees on unpaid parental leave to return to their workplace for a total of 10 days, whilst they are still on parental leave
KIT days are a great way for employees to gradually return to the workforce, refresh their skills, or stay up to date with their company. However, recent reports highlight that although these days are readily available to be utilised, many employers and employees are either unaware of their existence, or do not use them.
Work Activities Covered by KIT Days
KIT days can be used for various work related activities including the following:
Inviting an employee to attend a team meeting – allows employees to remain up-to-date with workplace changes
To be involved in training
Inviting an employee to attend a conference, or companywide meeting
Inviting employees for catch-ups with their manager or team, for example performance review conversations
Work Activities Not Covered by KIT Days
An employee may participate in unpaid workplace activity that won’t constitute as a KIT day or return to work. This includes but is not limited to:
An employee attending the workplace regularly to visit colleagues or participate in social events
Considerations
KIT days can be taken sporadically throughout an employee’s parental leave – they do not need to be taken all at once. There are some specific characteristics that employers and employees should be aware of:
Employees are paid their usual salary for a KIT day (pro-rata)
Employees will only be paid the actual hours worked
Working a part day constitutes a full KIT day. For example, attending a 2 hour meeting will count as 1 of 10 keeping in touch days, however you will only be paid for 2 hours.
KIT do not accrue over an employees parental leave
KIT days cannot be utilised whilst the employee is on company paid parental leave. If a KIT day is used whilst on paid parental leave, employers may need to extend the employees leave period, or credit back the paid leave.
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