Time off for training

Q: How much time off are shop stewards entitled to for training?

A: All union officials have the right to time off for training if it is related to matters that come under section 178(2) of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 — namely terms and conditions, recruitment, suspension, dismissal, work allocation, discipline, union membership, time off, facilities and procedures.

There is no service qualification for this right, but the training must have been approved by the official’s trade union or the TUC.

The amount of time off is what is “reasonable in all the circumstances”, having regard to the ACAS code of practice on time off for trade union duties and activities.

There is little case law establishing how much time off is “reasonable”; the code says that it depends on the employer’s need for safety and security at all times, the size of the organisation, the production process and the need to maintain a service to the public.

Employees can bring a tribunal claim if their employer fails to let them take time off.