5. Right to training
By law, an employer must allow some employee representatives reasonable time off for relevant training. Representatives must be paid for this time.
This advice is about non-union employee representatives.
We also have advice on training for trade union representatives.
Who has this right
The right to time off for relevant training applies to:
- TUPE representatives
- collective redundancy representatives
- representatives of employee safety
- employee representatives involved in European consultative bodies
By law, an employer must allow these representatives reasonable time off for training. The training must be relevant to certain representative duties.
Employers should allow all representatives some training, even if they do not have the legal right. This is so they can:
- carry out their duties confidently and efficiently
- understand the employment topics they're consulting on
- work better with management
- represent workers properly
The right to paid time off applies to online and in-person training.
What 'reasonable' training means
The law does not say how much time off a representative should be allowed for training. It depends on their role and previous knowledge.
The employer and representative should work together to agree what's reasonable.
Both new and experienced representatives will benefit from training. Training must be relevant to a representative's duties.
The legal right applies during someone's usual working hours. This is unless training is not available during those hours.
For example, Ren works part-time. The only relevant training is on a day Ren does not work. Their employer allows them to do the training and pays them for this time.
It's good practice to have a formal agreement with clear guidelines on dealing with training requests. Find out about creating an agreement for representatives.
Induction training
New employee representatives should have training in basic representational skills. This should happen as soon as possible after they're appointed.
Training should include:
- the role of an employee representative
- rights of representatives
- how to communicate with workers before and after meetings with management
- working with other representatives
- handling confidential information
- basic skills in consultation
- contributing effectively in meetings
- dealing with organisational changes
- realistic expectations of the role, including how to compromise well and work constructively with management
Training for experienced representatives
Training for experienced representatives is particularly important when:
- they take on a new responsibility
- they're involved with consulting on big organisational changes
- they need to understand large business proposals and evaluate their impact
- there are employment law changes that affect workers
Training for TUPE and collective redundancy representatives
These representatives need to learn quickly about these topics and the consultation process. Without training, a representative cannot take part in meaningful consultation.
Training should cover:
- the consultation process
- legal requirements for consultation on TUPE transfers or collective redundancy
- how to evaluate employer decisions and implementation plans
Find out more about:
Training for managers
Managers need to understand the roles, responsibilities and rights of representatives in their team. It's a good idea to include this in management training programmes.
Joint training with managers and representatives can also help to:
- build trust
- improve shared understanding of the legal rights
- make sure time off arrangements work as smoothly as possible
Getting paid for training time
An employer must pay representatives for reasonable time off to do relevant training.
This must be either:
- the representative's usual pay
- an amount calculated using the representative's average hourly earnings – this applies where someone's pay varies with the work done
An employer should include different types of payments that a representative receives. For example, shift premiums, performance-related pay, bonuses and commission.
Where to find training
Employers may choose to:
- provide training in-house
- use external training providers
- contact Acas for support
Acas provides training on various employment topics. We also offer in-company workshops and training, and other tailored support for employers.