ILR - non work absences from UK

A first time poster, I only discovered this forum a couple of days ago after I had submitted my ILR (HSMP - JR) by post. Congratulations on the forum, it is a fantastic source of info.

I know time spent abroad for ILR purposes is a favourite and rather vague topic on here. Since being granted HSMP in 2005 I have been away for a total of 265/220 days (depending on how calculated), the longest consecutive period being 108 days in 2008/9, which was unpaid leave apart from the first 10 days. None of the absences were on business.

I have been with the same (public sector) employer since 2003 - first two years on Working Holiday visa - and have a payslip to show for every month since 2003 apart from the 3 months unpaid leave.

Since 2003 I've lived with my parents, one of whom is an EU citizen, in the UK.

When I called the Home Office last year, having nominally completed 4 years HSMP, the agent there basically said "Your existing leave does not expire for another year, so just make up the time before you apply and you will be fine". So now I have nominally completed 4 years 8 months on HSMP.

I am not terribly worried if I do not get ILR as I am nearly ready to return to my home country. Right now there are millions of Brits who would like to do the same. I wouldn't bother with the whole Tier 1 hassle/expense.

I am pretty confident I will get ILR but I know the [b]naysayers[/b] out there will say the 90/180 day rules are hard and fast. Let's see.

I will keep you informed...

Good luck all.