Publish date: 9 March 2026
The Middle East and flight disruption (updated)
We are aware that some of our staff and their families will be grounded in the Middle East and surrounding areas and unable to fly home. To support our staff, we have the following options:
- Special/emergency leave can be granted for the period from the date their flight was grounded until they can restart and return home (up to a maximum 10 days for a full-time worker). Manager’s will require sight of the relevant travel documentation. Please refer to the Special Leave Policy for more information.
- Draw down annual leave from next year’s allocation (given that we are at the end of the leave year)
- Use of Time Off in Lieu,
This is situation is dynamic and we will continue to review advice and guidance from the Foreign Office and the latest travel information for British nationals affected by the situation in the Middle East.
We will keep you updated as and when we have more information.
Please do take time to access this support if you need it, and speak to your manager or a colleagues if that feels helpful.
