Safety reps' right to time off upheld

An Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has reiterated the right of safety reps to training that is "reasonable", rather than merely to training that is "necessary". William Duthie from UNISON public services union took the case after his employer, Bath and North East Somerset Council, refused him paid time off to attend a training course. An Employment Tribunal found against Duthie in May 2002, but this was overturned by the EAT.

* Duthie v Bath and NE Somerset Council, EAT/0561/02