Duty Calls - Time off for public duties
Employees have the statutory right to request unpaid time off to carry out functions connected with public duties. Additionally, they have the right to request paid time off for a variety of reasons. While employees have the right to request time off, it is not an absolute right to take time off when the individual sees fit. However, where an employer unreasonably refuses a request for time off, the employee can issue a claim in the tribunal. How should employers manage such requests?
Employers must permit employees to take unpaid time off to perform public
duties, attend jury service or where they are required to appear at court or
tribunal as a witness, to participate in trade union activities or to deal with
emergencies involving dependents. They must permit paid time off for the
employee to carry out duties of an official or a recognised trade union, as
an elected safety representative, to act as a companion during the course of
disciplinary, grievance, flexible working request or duty to consider meetings.
Similarly, employees are entitled to take paid time off to attend antenatal
appointments, to undertake study or training if aged between 16 and 18,
and to look for alternative employment during their notice period, when the
reason for dismissal is redundancy.