Human Resources Division
Before your first assignment
General Information
Booking forms and handbook
When you have agreed to undertake a temporary assignment we will issue you with a booking form which contains all the relevant details of your assignment. You will receive two booking forms, please keep one of them for your records and sign the other one and send/fax it back to the TES office. We will also issue you with a handbook if this is your first assignment, providing you with information on how to get paid, your rights as a temporary worker and current legislation, etc. By signing your job booking form, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions stated in the handbook.
Hours of work
Working hours vary from assignment to assignment. The hours of work should be confirmed before you start your position and will be on your booking form. Many full time positions at the University have a working week of 36.5 hours.
Temps are not entitled to overtime pay, as they have no contracted hours.
Rest breaks
At the University staff usually take one hour's unpaid lunch break. If you are working part time or variable hours you should consult your supervisor to agree times for your rest breaks. You must ensure that you take an uninterrupted rest break of at least twenty minutes for every six hours worked.
Dress
There is no set dress code throughout the University but you are expected to dress in a manner appropriate to your working environment. We will advise you on the dress code when giving you further details of the assignment.
Smoking
The University operates a no-smoking policy.
Getting a University email account
The department in which you are working is responsible for setting up a University email account for you. If you have previously had an email account at the University of Cambridge we will inform your new department of your previous user ID and they will be able to re-activate your email account. You may be required to sign a data protection form prior to using the e-mail facilities.
Confidential information
During the course of your work you may have access to confidential information that, if mishandled, could damage the interests of the University. It is important that you do not disclose, to anyone, information that is of a confidential nature. Confidential information might include (but is not limited to): personnel records/information, finance, admissions information, security arrangements, research data and other information of a sensitive nature. By signing your job booking form, you are agreeing to the confidentiality clause on page 12 of your handbook.
Health and Safety
It is the duty of every worker to take care of their own health and safety and that of others who could be affected by their acts or omissions.
Maintaining tidiness and good order is an essential part of reducing health and safety risks at work.
Things to remember:
- Don't leave drawers open
- Keep escape routes, corridors and stairwells clear at all times
- Ensure that spillages are cleared up immediately
- Fire doors must be kept shut
Always ensure that any accidents are reported immediately to your department's safety representative.
When you start working in a department it is important to know the details of your department's safety policy. Please ensure that you know:
- the escape routes
- where the nearest fire alarm call point is
- where the nearest fire extinguisher is
- the location of assembly points
Emergency numbers
101 is the emergency priority number of the Security Control Centre, which is permanently manned. This should be the first point of contact.
Direct contact to the emergency services can be made by dialling 1999 from any internal telephone. You must stay on the line in case the operator needs further details, such as the kind of emergency, the accurate location of the emergency and your name and extension number.
If there is a Health and Safety issue at work that you are unhappy with, please raise the issue with your supervisor, however if you feel uncomfortable doing so, speak to us and we will try and resolve the problem on your behalf. Your Health and Safety is extremely important so do let us know.
Working with Computers
There are Health and Safety regulations covering those who work with computers. For more information please see the document below:
Occupational Health
If you have a particular health problem that is affecting your ability to undertake the duties of your assignment (such as back pain or eye strain) you are able to arrange an appointment to see the University's Occupational Health Service (01223) 336594.
CPPD courses
Temps are not able to attend the training courses run by the University's Centre for Personal and Professional Development. These courses are only available to permanent members of staff and those on fixed term contracts with the University. Temps are able to attend IT courses necessary to their work, with management approval.
University Cards
Temps are not entitled to University Cards. If you are unable to access the building where you are working without a card you should discuss the security arrangements with your supervisor. You may receive a ‘temporary card’ to give you access to your place of work, but your temporary card will not entitle you to some of the discounts and benefits permanent members of staff receive.
Temporary cards must always be handed back to the department at the end of your assignment. If you forget to hand your card back, please send it to the TES office where we will forward it to the department on your behalf.
Getting around Cambridge
Many of our departments are in convenient locations that are easily accessible by public transport.
In the city centre and Addenbrooke's, car parking is extremely limited and can be expensive. However, there are many park and ride services around the outskirts of Cambridge. We are sometimes able to secure parking for temps who are based outside the city centre.
For useful information on travelling around Cambridge, and links to local maps see: Cambridge area travel information.