Employers are now obliged by law to give proper consideration to requests from workers who want to take up training during work time. From April 6 2010 employees in organizations with 250 employees (or more) now have the right to request time for training. From April 2011, the right will be applicable to employees in organizations of all sizes.

Although Community should be playing a key role in ensuring that our Members have the knowledge and the confidence to exercise this right – please be aware that the employer is not automatically obliged to authorize all training requests.

This report illustrates a range of ‘business reasons’ whereby an employer can refuse an employee’s training request.

While on the surface this may seem like a ‘get out’ clause this does present future organizing opportunities. Union Reps may negotiate directly with employers on training time & opportunities which, in turn, can be a crucial recruitment tool for non-members.

Please take time to familiarise yourself with the Union Learn guide enclosed. Please contact me if additional copies are required.

For further information please visit

www.unionlearn.orguk/righttorequesttraining

or please contact

Tristan Thompson

Personnel & Training Officer

tthompson(at)community-tu.org