Changes to long service and retirement awards

Staff who have re-joined the University following a break in employment will now be eligible for a Long Service Award based on their aggregate service with the University.

At 20 years service, staff will receive a letter from the Vice-Chancellor and an invitation the University’s annual long service lunch which is held each December, where they will be presented with an Eldon Square gift card to the value of £200.

In addition to the 20 years long service acknowledgement, employment milestones of 30 and 40 years will be formally recognised and eligible staff will receive a letter of congratulations from the Vice-Chancellor and an invitation to the annual lunch.

The University’s retirement policy has also been changed and now staff with five years or more service at the time of their retirement will receive a £100 Eldon Square gift voucher and a letter of congratulations from the Vice-Chancellor.  

This replaces the current scheme where staff with 30 or more years of service are eligible for a retirement gift.

The revised policy is applicable to all members of staff regardless of role, grade or working hours per week.

Jane Embley, Director of Human Resources, said: “We are delighted to be able to announce these changes to the way in which the University recognises long service and retirement.  With such a large workforce, it is important to take a moment to recognise the hard work and dedication of our staff."

“The long-service awards are a great opportunity to thank individuals for their continuing contribution to the University and in implementing these new arrangements we hope to be able to be able to recognise the ongoing contribution of even more staff.”

Anyone who thinks they may be eligible for a Long Service Award under the new arrangements should contact Susan Camp on ext. 4644 or by email susan.camp@northumbria.ac.uk

Staff who are eligible for a retirement gift or a long service award will be identified by HR and contacted at the appropriate time.

Link to Recognition of Long Service and Retirement Policy