Time to Train
regulations will not be extended this April to employees of small
and medium-sized businesses.
The right for employees to request time for training to improve
their skills has been available to employees of large
organisations with 250 or more employees since April 2010.
Following a recent consultation covering a wide range of
businesses and employee groups, Ministers are taking further time
to examine the potential impact of the regulation on smaller firms.
Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning Minister, John
Hayes said:
“It is vital to the economy and individuals that everyone has
access to the training they need. That is why we are investing in
apprenticeships, protecting adult and community learning, and
freeing colleges to respond to local needs.
“But it is vital that the right balance is struck between support
for training and the need to minimise the burden of regulation for
smaller companies.
“We have delayed implementation to allow further, thorough
discussion, scrutiny and evaluation.”
Notes to Editors
The government aims to introduce new regulations on two Common
Commencement Dates each year. These are 6 April 2011 and 1 October
2011.Time to Train operates on a similar basis to the right to
request flexible working. Employees are entitled to request time
to undertake work relevant training, which employers must formally
consider. Employers are entitled to refuse the request if one of a
number acceptable business reasons applies.BIS' online
newsroom contains the latest press notices, speeches, as well as
video and images for download. It also features an up to date list
of BIS press office contacts. See http://www.bis.gov.uk/newsroom
for more information.
Contacts:
BIS Press Office
NDS.BIS@coi.gsi.gov.uk
Oliver Fry
oliver.fry@bis.gsi.gov.uk