Right to time off for training will not be extended

An employment expert at Forbes Solicitors is welcoming the announcement that the right for employees to request time off for training will not be extended in April as a step in the right direction to reduce the burden of regulations on small businesses.

The Department for Business Innovation and Skills has announced that the right for employees to request time off for training will not be extended to employees of small and medium-sized businesses, as previously planned.

Currently, employees who work for businesses employing 250 or more have the right to request time off for training in order to improve their skills and it was anticipated that this would be extended to smaller businesses however following consultation Ministers have decided that this will be delayed whilst the potential impact on smaller firms is considered.

Amy Crabtree, employment specialist at Forbes, said: “This announcement will be welcomed by small businesses who are already struggling with the burden of new regulations.

“It is however, still important that all businesses consider having policies in place for requesting internal or external training which will benefit them and their employees.

“It is important to note that this has not been scrapped altogether, just delayed while the impact is considered.”

Amy Crabtree
Forbes Solicitors