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Career Break Agreement

A completed unpaid career-break agreement covering employment status, return terms, benefits and no guaranteed role.

Jurisdiction: England and Wales - completed fictional worked example

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Important: This sample provides general legal information only and is not legal advice. Check the law, prescribed forms and signing requirements that apply to your exact jurisdiction and circumstances before use.

# CAREER BREAK AGREEMENT

Date: 9 September 2031

Parties: Harriet Cole and Fenmere Publishing Limited

## 1. Purpose and parties

Fenmere agrees that Harriet Cole may take an unpaid career break from her employed Editorial Manager role from 1 November 2031 to 31 October 2032 to care for a family member. Her employment contract continues unless this agreement expressly varies it; this is not a resignation or a transfer to self-employment.

## 2. Facts, scope and terms

No salary, bonus or ordinary pension contribution is payable during the break, and Harriet must obtain advice about benefits, National Insurance and any immigration or caring entitlement. Contractual continuity is intended to continue, but statutory accrual and benefit treatment may depend on the applicable law and scheme rules.

## 3. Process and responsibilities

Harriet must keep Fenmere updated with a postal address and may attend two voluntary keeping-in-touch conversations. She must not disclose confidential manuscripts or represent that she acts for Fenmere. Outside work is permitted provided it creates no conflict and does not breach confidentiality or working-time obligations on return.

## 4. Evidence, records and safeguards

She should request return by 31 July 2032 and will be invited to a meeting about a suitable role, hours and any reasonable adjustment. Fenmere will make a genuine effort to return her to Editorial Manager or a comparable role, but cannot guarantee that an identical vacancy, team or salary structure will exist.

## 5. Review, escalation and outcome

Fenmere keeps only necessary contact and absence records, restricts access and explains pension and benefits administration. Harriet must return company property before the break; the parties will review safeguarding or health information only where necessary and lawfully.

## 6. Reservations and practical protections

Either party may request an earlier end by written agreement. Fenmere may end the arrangement for a material breach after a fair process; it cannot use the break to avoid equality, family-leave or redundancy duties. Harriet may seek Acas or independent advice.

## 7. England and Wales law and completion

England and Wales law applies. The agreement is signed on 9 September 2031, with hand, post and email as separate permitted notice methods. It is a written record of a career break, not a waiver of employment rights or a promise of promotion.

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