The timeframe for lifting the suspension will be considered in the wider context of the overall Government response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the current working arrangements which are in place for the civil and public service. All guidance issued by my Department in relation to COVID-19 is reviewed on a weekly basis.
The normal operation of flexi-time or equivalent attendance management rules, including any flexi-time accruals and deficits, has been temporarily suspended during the period of COVID-19 to facilitate the required new ways of working across the public service. This does not preclude organisations from using clocking in and out arrangements that apply. Any balances accrued by employees before the suspension of flexible working hours arrangements can remain and be held over until the COVID-19 working arrangements are no longer in place.