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The right to request 'time to train'

If you are an employee and you work in an organisation with 250 or more employees you have the statutory (legal) right to request time for study or training. This right is known as 'time to train'.

You do not have to use the right for every training request. If you already have a system with your employer for making training requests you can continue to use that.

To make a statutory request for 'time to train' you must:

• be an employee
• have worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks before you apply

You will not be able to make a request for 'time to train' if you are:

• an agency worker
• a member of the armed forces
• compulsory school age ('school age' in Scotland)
• a young person who already has a statutory right to paid time off to undertake study or training
• 16-18 years old and already expected to take part in education or training

Types of training you can request

You only have the right to request time for certain types of training. Before you consider making a request, you should make sure you have the right to request the training you want to complete.

• Training you have the right to request at work

Making your request

If you decide to make a 'time to train' request, there are several things you should think about. You must then make sure that you include all of the necessary information in your application.

• Making a 'time to train' request

Discussing your request

Once you have made your request, your employer has certain responsibilities about how they consider it. They should do this within a set period and arrange a meeting with you if they need to discuss your request.

• Discussing your 'time to train' request

Your employer's decision about your request

Your employer has a duty to consider your request. They will only be able to turn it down when they have a good business reason. Once they have made their decision they should follow the correct process for telling you what it is.

• Decisions on your 'time to train' request

Appealing a decision

If you are not happy with your employer's decision, there is an appeal process you can follow. If you are still not happy after that, there are further steps you can take. However, it is always best to try to resolve problems with your employer informally.

• Appealing a 'time to train' decision