New code on time off comes into operation

Employment service Acas has now published the revised Code of Practice on time off for trade union duties and activities, which came into effect on 1 January.

The new code, which replaces an earlier one on the same subject, has been updated to reflect the changing workplace of the 21st century.

As well as dealing with all the issues covered in the previous code, the revised code provides updated guidance on:

• the provision of cover when employees take time off;

• payment for time off;

• training and the importance of e-learning;

• the responsibilities of line managers and union representatives in ensuring time off arrangements are effective; and

• access to facilities and the use of electronic communication technology.

To complement the new code, Acas has produced two new guides. The first of the guides deals with managing time off for union representatives, the second with time off for non-union representatives – they can be downloaded from the links below as can the new code.

www.acas.org.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=274

www.acas.org.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=2307&p=0

www.acas.org.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=2308&p=0