What is Less than Full Time (LTFT) Training?
Less than full time training (LTFT) is when a resident doctor reduces their working hours below the standard 100% full time (40 hours per week) to a different percentage such as 60% or 80%.
There are many reasons a resident doctor may choose to apply for LTFT training, and consideration must also be taken to look at the impact this will have on the training pathway and expected CCT.
The British Medical Association provides some helpful information on LTFT HERE.
Applications must be submitted no less than 16 weeks before the start date of the normal programme rotation during which you wish to go LTFT (rather than the date you wish to start your LTFT training). Applications may be considered outside of this time period for exceptional circumstances.
Applying to Train Less Than Full Time or Change to Working Training Percentage
The 16 weeks lead in time is to allow time for the PSM to process the application, send to the TPD for approval and ensure the Lead Employer are given a minimum of 8 weeks notice to inform payroll and issue a new contract. The Lead Employer requires 12 weeks notice to meet Code of Practice.
All resident doctors can apply for LTFT training, the only requirement being a well-founded individual reason.
Not yet commenced training – Please include in your Oriel application that you would like to train LTFT. This will be communicated through to the GP School before you commence your pre-employment checks. You will still need to apply via the application form to confirm your Training Programme can support this.
Already in training – Please start discussions with your Educational Supervisor (ES) and Training Programme Director (TPD) in the first instance, and should do so before completing the application form.
Currently on a period of extended leave – This may include parental leave or long term sickness absence as examples. If you are wishing to return at LTFT, please make contact with your TPD and the KSS Professional Support and Wellbeing Service (PSWS) to request this as soon as possible.
Already LTFT and wanting to change your current working percentage – If resident doctors are looking to amend their current LTFT working percentage or return to full time working, please follow the same guidelines for a standard LTFT application. To return to full time percentage, the 16 week deadline still applies, and you must still submit an application and receive approval to return to 100%.
Resident doctors who wish to be considered for LTFT training can apply HERE
As per the Gold Guide, LTFT applications must be submitted to the School of Public Health with a minimum of 16 weeks’ notice.
If you are already on LTFT training and wish change your percentage, the 16-week minimum notice period will still apply.
Application Process
Complete the Change to Working Percentage Application Form, making sure that you have already discussed this with your ES and TPD. The form does ask that approval has been received from your Educational Supervisor, so please ensure this has been granted before completing the form.
Once the form has been submitted, this will be reviewed by the Programme Support Manager to check all information is submitted and any evidence that may be required is available. Once this is checked the request will be sent to the Training Programme Director/Associate Head of School for approval.
The TPD/AHOS will review the request, and any evidence if applicable, and let the PSM know if approved or rejected.
If approved, the PSM will send an approval email the Lead Employer and CC you in, This email will confirm the new working percentage, the start date of the change, and your new CCT date with a copy of the CCT calculator attached. If you notice any incorrect information, please inform the PSM and Lead Employer as soon as possible to be corrected.
If the application is rejected, you will receive your application back with the reason for the rejection from the TPD. This may be then discussed with the TPD/AHOS. This may be to do with the level of LTFT requested, a lack of evidence, service considerations, impact on training or exceptions to eligibility.
Late Applications
Late applications place a considerable administrative burden on the Team who try and facilitate these (ensuring the relevant support from TPD and Trust Medical HR is in place and all the supporting evidence has been provided). They also generate additional work for the Trust who have to re-do rotas and issue a new contract.
Late applications submitted after the 16 week deadline can be processed, but please note that this may affect the start date of your LTFT request. Payroll may not get the information within the payroll deadline which may result in an over or underpayment which will need to be corrected the following month.
Applications for Welfare and Well-being Reasons
The TPD/AHOS will review the well-being status on the applications. Approval under this category is only meant to be for 12 months, to ensure there is capacity for others who may wish to reduce their percentage temporarily. A number of residents apply to renew their well-being applications annually. If there is an underlying health reason, it is better for them to apply under health with the relevant supporting information. They will be supported as LTFT for the duration of their training programme. From a programme management perspective, we assume that residents with well-being applications will go back to full time training at the end of the 12 months, as clearly stated on their LTFT approval letter.
Please find
NHS Employers 2016 Terms and Conditions