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Right to request time to train
Welcome to unionlearn's project to promote
the right to request time to train.
The right to request time to train came into operation from 6 April 2010 for employers with workers of 250 and more.
The coalition government announced in March 2011 that the extension of the right to all other employees in small and medium size organisations that was scheduled for April 2011 would now no longer happen. Unionlearn has therefore revised all guidance to reflect this change in government policy. Whilst the government's decision will be a disappointment to trade unions, the guidance places emphasis on continuing to negotiate voluntary application of the legislation in SMEs where appropriate to facilitate the development of learning cultures.
Resources
Unionlearn has
developed resources for trade unions to use to help promote awareness of
the right and confidence in exercising it.
Right to request time to train - introduction video
Template letter to send to employers and briefing We have designed a template letter for trade union representatives working for an employer of 250 employees and more to use to open up discussions about how the new right to request time to train could make a positive change in your workplace. Also find a briefing on the resources that unionlearn have developed for you to support your discussions with employers. We are also developing a letter for trade union reps working for an employer of 249 and below.
NEW REVISED EDITION (APRIL 2011) Right to Request Time to Train: A
Guide for Trade Unions and Union Representatives
This guidance has been written for trade
union representatives to promote use of the right and to help members use it to
the best effect. Whilst it is anticipated that union learning reps will play a
major role in supporting take-up of the right, this guidance also recognises
that in many workplaces other union reps will be involved in negotiating
directly with employers. Download a copy of Right to Request Time to Train - Guide (pdf 453kb)
. REVISED EDITION APRIL 2011
Campaign for Learning Activities: Time to Train? Time to Talk! Unionlearn has teamed up with the Campaign for Learning to promote the right to request time to train through the 'Time to Train? Time to Talk' initiative.
You can access updated resources from the Campaign for Learning website in the Right to Request Time to Train section. They include:
Template presentation for trade union representatives
This revised template powerpoint presentation [April 2011] can be delivered on the subject of the right to request time to train to any trade union audience. Supportive notes for officers or members to deliver the presentation are included: just click on 'View' on the toolbar and click on the 'Notes page' option to reveal the notes. Download Presentaion [PPT, 206kb]
FAQ I have worked full time in the same role in a supermarket for too long and have not had any training opportunities for a few years. Is it worth exercising the right to request time to train?Answer
Case studies
AEGON - AEGON are a forward thinking financial services organisation that demonstrates exemplary policies on workplace learning...
MP Dartmoor Prison -
HMP Dartmoor Prison, built in 1809 and situated in the middle of Dartmoor National Park, is providing opportunities for all prison staff, their families and the wider community, to access learning in a wide range of areas.
Further information concerning the right can be obtained on
the direct.gov website.
Enquiries
For general enquiries
about the right, please contact Richard Blakeley, Policy
Officer by e-mail at rblakeley@tuc.org.uk or telephone 020 7467 1252.
30 September 2010 TUC welcomes plans to extend right to request flexible working Commenting on plans announced today (Thursday) by the Government to extend the right to request flexible working to parents of all children and to consult on extending it to all workers, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:...
17 September 2010 Right to request time to train survey results A big thank you to the 623 union reps who replied to unionlearn's survey on the right to request time to train. Read the survey results report.
16 September 2010 Scrapping right to request training will ‘make a mockery' of Government commitment to skills, says TUC Responding to the Institute of Directors (IoD) submission to the Government's consultation on the future of the right to request time to train published today (Thursday), TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:
“We must keep the right to request training. Not to do so will make a mockery of the Government's professed commitment to skills...'
24 August 2010 AEGON - Right to Request Time to Train case study AEGON are a forward thinking financial services organisation that demonstrates exemplary policies on workplace learning. Prior to the introduction of the Right to Request Time to Train, the employer was already working in partnership with UNITE to provide Skills for Life training and had supported requests for time off for further and higher education through its flexible working procedures...
11 August 2010 Latest consultation must not weaken right to request training, warns TUC Commenting on the launch (Wednesday 11 Wednesday) of the Government consultation on the right to request time to train, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:
“Since its introduction earlier this year, the right to request time to train has opened new doors for workers to get the skills they need to further their careers...
22 July 2010 Right to request training will enable workers to improve their skills Commenting on the Skills for Sustainable Growth consultation, launched today (Thursday) by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: “Ten million workers received no training last year so the Government must use every possible lever to encourage more employers to offer staff training...
5 May 2010 Is it worth exercising the right to request time to train? I have worked full time in the same role in a supermarket for too long and have not had any training opportunities for a few years. Is it worth exercising the right to request time to train?
8 April 2010 Right to Request Time off for Training: A Guide for Trade Unions and Union Representatives From 6 April 2010, the right to request time to train can be exercised by employees in organisations with 250 employees and over. This guidance has been written for trade union representatives to promote use of the right and to help members use it to the best effect. Whilst it is anticipated that union learning reps will play a major role in supporting take-up of the right, this guidance also recognises that in many workplaces other union reps will be involved in negotiating directly with employers.
Right to request time to train - introduction video
Unionlearn has teamed up with the Campaign for Learning to promote the right to request time to train through the 'Time to Train? Time to Talk' initiative.
