Employee entitlement to request training and study leave

From 06 April 2010 some employees will have the right to request time off work for training or study.  Initially this will apply to companies with more than 250 employees, and will be extended to all employees from April 2011.  There is no entitlement to time off, only to make the request, and there is no requirement for paid leave.

The new Employee Study and Training Regulations, like the regulations for the right to request flexible working, set out how employers should respond to such requests.

Workers aged 16-18 years already have a similar right under the Right to Time Off for Study or Training Regulations 2001.  Agency workers will not be covered by the legislation.

An employee with 26 weeks service may request time off to undertake training or study, which they believe would improve their effectiveness as a employee and improve the performance of their employer’s business.  A wide range of study and training options are covered by this, and an employee may make multiple requests, but the employer is only required to consider one request in a rolling 12 month period.

If you require further information the Regulations are available on the OPSI website.

Alternatively call Hardwick HR for advice: 01752 692778