Employees given right to request time off for training

The right will be extended to all employees from April 2011. This phased approach will give smaller organisations and businesses more time to prepare for the introduction of the new right. Skills Minister Kevin Brennan (pictured) said: "Many companies and organisations are very good at training their staff, but we need to make sure that all businesses are advising employees on what is on offer.This is where a regulation like Time to Train will be able to help people. It will give them the confidence to ask about training and skills, allowing them to take control of their own careers." Employees can request time to undertake relevant study or training which employers are required to consider seriously. The training can be either accredited programmes leading to a recognised qualification or unaccredited training which helps to develop specific skills for that role or business. Employers are not obliged to approve every request – they can decline if they do not believe the training will contribute to improved business performance. The legislation was included in the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act, which received Royal Assent late last year. Guidance for employers is available through Business Link. See www.businesslink.gov.uk/timetotrain.