Working secretary attends function, getting out early (2,6)
I believe the answer is:
on parole
'out early' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'working secretary attends function' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'working' could be 'on' (on can mean working or activated) and 'on' is found within the answer.
'secretary' could be 'pa' (abbreviation for personal assistant) and 'pa' is found within the answer.
'function' could be 'role' (synonyms) and 'role' is found in the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).
'getting' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Another definition for on parole that I've seen is " Subject to conditions, released".)