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Dealing with requests for time off

If someone you manage is a trade union representative and asks you for time off work for their trade union duties, it's important that their request is dealt with correctly. If not, it can affect working relationships and team morale.

Check your staff handbook or intranet to see who should deal with the request. If it's you, their line manager, then you should be aware of the rules around dealing with these requests.

This tool will take you through step-by-step examples of requests for time off for trade union duties, and explain the best way to consider and deal with the requests.

Before you start

Before starting this tool you may find it helpful to read the guidance explaining employee's rights to time off for trade union duties and activities - see 'More useful links' below.

Scenarios

This tool contains five scenarios. In each one, you will take the role of a manager. You'll need to make decisions as you move through the scenario. There isn't one correct route. Instead you'll need to manage the situation you find yourself in.

Select a scenario to start:

• Supporting union reps: a manager's guide - handling requests for time off Opens new window

• Supporting union reps: a manager's guide - balancing a rep's needs with business needs Opens new window

• Supporting union reps: a manager's guide - managing reps in a wider team Opens new window

• Supporting union reps: a manager's guide - supporting busy reps Opens new window

• Supporting union reps: a manager's guide - managing time away from work Opens new window

More useful links

• Time off for trade union duties and activities

• Download the Acas booklet 'Trade union representation in the workplace' (PDF, 727K) Opens new window

• Download the Acas Code of Practice 'Time off for trade union duties and activities' (PDF, 407K) Opens new window

• Advice for employers on trade union rights from Business Link Opens new window