and activities
The Acas revised Code of Practice on time off for
trade union duties and activities has been approved by the BIS and Parliament and will come into effect on 1
January 2010. The Code is accompanied by two new guides on managing time off
for union and non-union representatives respectively.
The Code has been
revised, after substantial consultation, to reflect the changing nature of the
British workplace and the effect this has had on time off arrangements for
trade union representatives. The purpose of the Code is to aid and improve the
effectiveness of relationships between employers and trade unions.
Section 1 provides guidance on time off for trade
union duties. Section 2 deals with time off for training of trade union
representatives and offers guidance on sufficient training for Union Learning
Representatives. Section 3 considers time off for trade union activities.
Section 4 describes the responsibilities which employers and trade unions share
in considering reasonable time off. Section 5 notes the advantages of reaching
formal agreements on time off. Section 6 deals with industrial action and
Section 7 with methods of appeal.
To complement the new Code of Practice on time off
for trade union duties, Acas have produced two new guides. The first of the guides
deals with managing time off for union representatives, the second guide looks
at time off for non-union representatives.
This provides summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. Where employment tribunal and appellate court cases are reported, the information does not set out all of the facts, the legal arguments presented and the judgments made in every aspect of the case. Employment law is subject to constant change either by statute or by interpretation by the courts. While every care has been taken in compiling this information, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Specialist legal advice must be taken on any legal issues that may arise before embarking upon any formal course of action.
