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Insights: Working less than full-time

All respiratory trainees can apply to work less than full-time (LTFT). Applications are assessed on an individual basis and should be supported by a well-founded reason. For further guidance, please refer to the 10th Edition of the Gold Guide (p.40).

Reasons for applying may include, but are not limited to:

  • Disability or ill health
  • Caring responsibilities
  • Welfare and wellbeing
  • Unique opportunities or development both within and outside medicine
  • Religious commitments
  • Flexibility to pursue broader career interests alongside training

In the video below, Dr Abigail MacKintosh shares her experience of LTFT training and the opportunities it has provided throughout her respiratory training journey.

 

Applying to work less than full-time (LTFT)

Before applying, you should discuss your plans with your Training Programme Director (TPD) and Educational Supervisor (ES). You will need to decide what proportion of full-time equivalent (FTE) you wish to work. Most LTFT trainees work between 60% and 80% FTE, although other arrangements may be possible following discussion and approval.

Key timescales

Please be aware of the following notice periods:

  • 3 months' notice is required for new LTFT applications. Some categories may require supporting evidence
  • 12 weeks' notice is required if you wish to increase or decrease your working pattern

How to apply

Applications should be made through your deanery, which will provide the relevant forms and guidance on the application process.

Practical considerations

LTFT trainees may either work alongside another LTFT trainee as part of a job share or be placed in a full-time post. You should discuss working patterns and on-call commitments with your department and where applicable, job share, as early as possible. This can help with service planning and with managing commitments outside of work.

Annual leave and study leave are allocated on a pro-rata basis. However, study leave arrangements may be flexible to accommodate specific courses and training opportunities where required.

It may be possible to reduce some of your subscriptions such as MDU/MPS/GMC/BMA, depending on your working pattern or income.

Tracking your progress

LTFT trainees are required to achieve the same competencies as full-time trainees, but over a longer training period. It is important to keep your Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) date under review and ensure this is correctly reflected during Annual Reviews of Competence Progression (ARCPs).

Use the JRCPTB CCT Date Calculator to confirm your anticipated completion date. It is not uncommon for LTFT trainees to be invited to penultimate year assessments (PYAs) prematurely or to be assessed against curriculum requirements at the wrong stage of training. Keeping track of your CCT date will help ensure your progression is reviewed appropriately.