Time off for
public duties legislation will not be extended to civil duties
The Government has published its response to its
previous consultation on expanding the right to time off for public duties. The
original proposal was to extend the
right to time off to people serving in a wider range of civic roles. However,
given the current economic climate, the Government has decided to work with employers on a ‘hearts and minds’ approach.
S.50 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 gives employees
the statutory right to unpaid time off during their working hours to undertake
certain public duties, e.g. being a
member of a local authority, a statutory tribunal, a relevant education body,
etc.
With the aim of increasing participation in public
duties, particularly by young people and ethnic minorities, the Department for
Communities and Local Government launched a consultation process which invited
views on extending the right to time off to people serving in a wider range of
civic roles and also considered other ways to encourage people to take on
governance roles in third sector organisations (e.g.
charities).
Following consultation, the Government has now decided
to change its approach, given the current
financial climate. It has decided that, instead of bringing in legislation, it
will work with employers’ organisations on a ‘hearts and minds’ campaign. The
aim of the campaign will be to: (i) make it easier for people to get involved;
(ii) convince employers of the benefits of their staff
volunteering; and (ii) show that staff undertaking these roles are developing
important skills which ultimately helps them to do their job more effectively.
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.
