Veitch Penny LLP - Exeter | Crediton, Devon

The Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 introduces the right for employees to request time off to train.  There is no obligation on the employer for the time off to be paid, or for the employer to pay for the training requested. 

This is expected to come into force for large employers with more than 250 employees from April 2010 and for all other employers from April 2011. 

It is anticipated that the procedure will mirror the current right to request flexible working, and will require an applicant to have 26 weeks continuous employment before making the request.  It will be up to the parties to agree how much time should be given.  

The Act specifies the content of the employee’s application, and as with the right to request flexible working, the employee will need to explain how the planned training would assist the employer.  There are certain grounds upon which the employer may refuse the application.