Annual leave increased for long-time workers

Annual leave benefits for long-term state employees will be expanded, Gov. Jim Gilmore announced last week. The changes in state worker policy coincide with recommendations made by the legislature's Joint Commission on Management of the Commonwealth's Workforce.

"The expansion of these benefits brings Virginia in line with other states ... and helps further our goal of maintaining an effective and viable state workforce," Gilmore said.

The new benefits, which result in an additional hour accrued per pay period, mean an additional three days of annual leave may be accrued each year for employees with 15 years of service and an additional six days when an employee reaches 25 years of service. Carry-over limits will increase by an additional six days at 15 years and an extra 12 days at 25 years of service. The new benefit became effective July 10 and the additional hours can be used starting July 25.

U.Va.'s Human Resources department sent out a letter to employees this week explaining the details.

The changes are expected to have minimal fiscal impact on the Commonwealth.