Officials and representatives of recognised trade unions are allowed (usually paid) time off to undertake union activities.
Acas have now released a revised Code of Practice on this area, which can be found as a pdf at the link below:
Acas Code of Practice on Time Off for Trade Union Duties and Activities
It replaces the old 2003 COP and was effective on the 1st January 2010. New additions include:
- the provision of cover when employees take time off
- payment for time off
- training and the importance of e-learning
- the responsibilities of line managers and union representatives in ensuring time off arrangements are effective
- access to facilities and the use of electronic communication technology.
As is usual, the COP has been supplemented with guidance manuals, of no statutory effect but designed to be a simpler guide to the uninitiated. They can be found on the Acas website at this link.
