I have been advised today (8 Sept 08) that, for a 3 week period, requests for leave on the day cannot be processed automatically through Vacation Planner.  As I understand matters, this is to allow a software upgrade to be put in place.

The Head of Business Continuity has formally confirmed that a contingency arrangement has been put in place.  The contingency requires that the line management authorise on the day requests and that this will be done in conjunction with the National Resource Centre.

It has been confirmed that the contingency arrangements will operate on a case by case basis.  Further to this, it has been further confirmed that leave will still be available for emergency cases.