Time off for Study or Training

Back to Previous Page

This new employment right came into force on September 1999. Certain employees aged 16 and 17 have the right to reasonable time off for study or to train for approved qualifications. The legislation is part of a wider strategy to ensure that far more young people stay on in education until they are at least 19. It is to help those who did not get much out of school, and who go into jobs which offer little or no training. It aims to help these young employees get the skills and qualifications they need, and to help businesses to be more competitive.

	Who is eligible ? Employees aged 16 or 17 who are not in full time secondary education and who have not achieved a certain standard in their education/training (see below) will be entitled to reasonable paid time off during normal working hours to study or train for a qualification that will help them towards achieving that standard, and improve their future employment prospects. An employee who is 18 and who is undertaking study or training leading to a relevant qualification that they began before becoming 18, has the same right as a 16 or 17 year old to enable them to complete the study or training already begun.
	What is the " standard of achievement " The " standard of achievement " which determines both eligibility for time off and the standard which employees should seek to attain is in general terms:- • 5 G.C.S.Es at grades A - C   OR • an Intermediate level G.N.V.Q.   OR • an N.V.Q. at level 2   OR • a B.T.E.C. first certificate or diploma
	Where study or training can be undertaken Study or training can be undertaken in the workplace, on the job or elsewhere on site, or it could take place in a college, with an approved training provider, or through open or distance learning elsewhere. The time that a young person can have will be what is reasonable, taking into account the requirements of the course or training as well as the circumstances of the employer's business, and the effect of the " time off " on the running of the business.
	What about payment ? Employees will be entitled to receive payment for their time off at the appropriate hourly rate. Where an employer unreasonably refuses to permit time off, or fails to pay the employee what they are entitled to, an employee can make a complaint to an employment tribunal For more information contact your local Careers Centre. The above is a general outline only and should not be regarded as a complete or authoritative statement of law.