The Government has issued a consultation paper, seeking views on whether the new ‘right to request time to train’ should be repealed, retained for large organisations or extended as planned.  August 2010 by Louise Fernandes-Owen at Field Fisher Waterhouse

From 6 April 2010, the former Government introduced a new right to request time off to study or train for employees working for employers with 250 or more employees. The right was due to be extended to all employers from April 2011. The new Government, in line with its intention to review all regulations to reduce burdens on businesses, has issued a consultation to gauge views of this legislation and whether it is improving training opportunities for employees.

The Government is specifically seeking views on whether the right:
• should be repealed;
• should be retained only for large organisations;
• should be extended to small and medium sized organisations from April 2011 as planned;
• if retained for large organisations or extended, could be amended so it is less burdensome on employers who already train; and if this could be achieved in ways that do not increase complexity or reduce legal certainty.

Views are sought by 15 September and the Government response to the consultation will be published in December 2010.

August 2010 by Louise Fernandes-Owen at Field Fisher Waterhouse