Guidance on training requests published

Date: 14th January 2010

Official guidance on the right for employees to request time off for training has been published by the government.

The legislation, which is due to come into effect on April 6th, received Royal Assent in November last year.

It is aimed at boosting the skills base of the UK workforce as well as providing employees with the opportunity to improve their own knowledge and learning.

Now, government advisory service Business Link has drafted guidelines on how firms can manage requests for time off and has published details on the Direct.gov website.

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

"Many businesses and organisations are really good at training their staff and already recognise the benefits of having a highly skilled and motivated workforce."

The new law is to be phased in from April and will initially only be applicable to companies with 250 or more employees.