The Government has launched a consultation on granting employees the right to request time off work in order to undertake training. It is suggested that this will apply to employees who have worked for their employer for 26 weeks and will apply to both the public and private sectors. The idea behind the proposal is that it will encourage employees to develop their skills, which in turn will help them to be more productive in the workplace. Also, that it will encourage employers to invest in the skills of their staff and thereby improve business efficiency. Once the employee has identified the training they wish to attend, they will need to make a written request. Employers will be required to consider the request but will be able to reject the request for an acceptable business reason. The Consultation is open until 10 September 2008 and the Government anticipates that this right will come into force in 2010.
TLT Solicitors