UOC Staff FAQs
I don’t have access to my workspace to undertake my work, what should I be doing? Will I continue to be paid?
If there is work available for people then there is a general expectation that they will make a reasonable effort to carry out that work.
This may be from temporary office space or could be working from home. It may be that people could be reallocated tasks because their normal duties are not able to be carried out.
If I am required to work but am unable to do so because of personal circumstances what do I do?
As mentioned above there is a general expectation that people will be able to work, where work is available.
If you are unable to work due to personal disruption, please contact your Head of Department or UOC’s Senior HR Advisor (Alison Boone).
I am a casual or timesheet employee, will I be paid?
For the first three fortnightly pays and the March monthly pay after the earthquake casual and timesheet staff members have been paid based on the last pay before the earthquake.
As of the 19th of April pay normal procedures will resume and people will be paid for the time actually worked, based on timesheets being submitted in the usual manner.
I have worked extra hours since the Earthquake, will I be paid for these?
It is expected that staff will be paid for all extra hours worked or will be able to take time in lieu, in accordance with the employment agreements.
I am on a fixed term agreement, due to come to an end but my work has been disrupted by the EQ and I haven’t completed the outputs, can my contract be extended to allow me extra time to complete?
The effect of the disruption caused by the Earthquake on research programmes is currently being assessed by each area. Contracts may be extended where this is needed.
What counselling services are available to staff?
Stratos Ltd can provide counselling support for University of Otago, Christchurch staff and students following the earthquakes in Canterbury.
Staff or students can call Stratos on 0800 787 2867 and they will connect them with a counsellor.
If required Stratos can arrange for a counsellor to go on site to meet with staff or students either individually or as a group.
The focus of this would be on coping with anxiety and grief as well as building resilience.
Stratos think that the earliest need for this will be next week.
If you need to talk to Stratos please call 0800 787 2867 any time. If it is out of working hours take the option for after hours support (dial 1) and you will be connected to a Stratos staff member.
There is also a podcast available on our website: https://podcasts.otago.ac.nz/uoc/files/2011/04/Understanding-Reactions-to-the-Canterbury-Earthquakes1.mp3 on the topic of understanding reactions to the Canterbury Earthquakes.
What is happening with the 2012 PBRF round?
The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) is considering options around acknowledging disruptions caused by the earthquakes to the Canterbury-based Universities – University of Otago, Christchurch, University of Canterbury, and Lincoln University in the 2012 round.