News

January 22, 2010

New guide helps firms get to grips with right to request training rules

Business Link has published a free online guide to help employers prepare for forthcoming regulations on employees' right to request training.

From April 2011, businesses with fewer than 250 employees will be obliged to consider employees' requests for training. The regulation comes in for larger businesses on 6 April 2010.

The Consider Time for Training guide includes information on the eligibility criteria for employees wanting to request time to train, the kind of training they can ask for and how to accept or reject a request. It also contains advice on the appeals process for requests that are turned down and dealing with grievances if an employee does not like the way their employer has handled the request.

Commenting on the new regulations, skills minister, Kevin Brennan, said: "Now, more than ever, we need learning and training opportunities in place that empower people to get the skills and training they need to get on.

"Many businesses are really good at training their staff and already recognise the benefits of having a highly-skilled and motivated workforce," he added. "While two-thirds of businesses do train their staff, we need to encourage employers and employees who do not to speak about training opportunities."

Under the new laws, employees will be able to request training either carried out on the business premises, from home or elsewhere, and it could be training as part of their job or separately. It includes training at local colleges or by other providers and can be accredited or not.

Staff can also request to be allowed time out of work to undertake training but they do not have the right to be paid for it. Employers have the right to refuse training for a number of business reasons, including if the burden of additional costs is too great or if the training would not benefit the business.

• To access the Consider Time for Training guide, visit the Employing people section of the Business Link website