How to deal with time off for trade union representatives

Author: Darren Newman

Summary

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• Be aware that trade union representatives and members have a right to time off for a range of union-related activities and duties.
• Understand that the right to paid time off applies only to union "officials".
• Recognise the union duties to which the right to paid time off applies.
• Allow union representatives to take paid time off for training in aspects of industrial relations.
• Take account of the rights of union learning representatives to paid time off.
• Accommodate the rights of safety representatives to paid time off.
• Understand the requirements relating to payment for time off.
• Provide union members with time off for union activities.
• Remember that the amount of time off is that which is "reasonable in all the circumstances".
• Understand the process for requesting time off.
• For public-sector employers, be aware of the obligation to publish data relating to facility time.
• Appreciate the risk of tribunal claims for a breach of rights relating to time off.