Time to Train
Launch date: 18 June 2008
Closing date: 10 September 2008
Date of response: 3 December 2008
Consultation response
Summary
On 18 June 2008 DIUS published a consultation paper seeking views on a proposed new right in the workplace; the right to request time to train for employees in England. Similar consultations were also carried out by the Scottish Executive and the Welsh Assembly Government on whether this right should be extended to employees in Scotland and Wales.
The core of the time to train proposals is that employees should have a legal right to ask their employer to give them time away from their mainstream duties to undertake training.
The consultations sought views on the fundamental question of whether the new right would help skills development in the respondents’ organisation. They also explored a range of policy questions including: to whom should the right apply; what sort of training should be covered; what sort of issues the employer should consider when reviewing requests; and whether the new right would change the behaviour of employers and their employees in respect of training.
The consultations received a total of 236 responses from a wide range of stakeholders and individuals. A full report of the key messages from each of the three consultations, together with details of how the UK Government, in agreement with the Devolved Administrations in Scotland and Wales, plans to take forward the issues and proposals raised in the responses is now available on the DIUS website - see links below.
The overall response to the consultations was positive, acknowledging the potential of time to train to change the attitudes of those businesses that offer little or no training, and to empower employees to take responsibility for their own development. The UK Government intends to proceed with legislating for a right for employees to request time to train. As agreed with the Scottish Executive and the Welsh Assembly Government following their consultations, the new right will be for employees throughout Great Britain. Ministers in Northern Ireland are considering the position and are likely to launch a public consultation in the New Year.
A partial Impact Assessment was published on the DIUS website alongside the original consultation document. This is being reviewed in the light of the consultation outcome and developing policy proposals. We will publish a final Impact Assessment in line with the legislative timetable.
