Time off for trade union activities

An employee who is an official of an independent trade union which is recognised by the employer must be allowed reasonable time off with pay during working hours to:

• Carry out union duties (including learning representative duties)
• Consult with the employer, or receive information from the employer, about mass redundancies or business transfers
• Undergo training for union duties (as approved by the union or by the Trades Union Congress).

An employee who is a member of an independent trade union which is recognised by the employer is also entitled to reasonable time off for certain trade union activities - for example, attending a union conference.

The employer is not obliged to pay the employee for time off for these activities.

Further information

In January 2010, ACAS produced a Code of Practice on time off for Union duties: Time off for trade union duties and Activities.  

Other useful links:

• Business Link
• Directgov

Reviewed and updated by the HR Services Partnership - April 2010.

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