Finding time

Facility time 

Facility time is time off from an individual’s job, granted by the employer, to enable a rep to carry out their trade union role.  

It could mean an employer allows a rep to carry out trade union duties and activities, instead of their substantive job, for a certain amount of time per week or month.

In some cases, this can mean that the rep is fully seconded from their regular job, enabling them to work full time on trade union tasks.  

The right to time off

In workplaces where the trade union is recognised, trade union workplace representatives have a right to paid time off for the purpose of carrying out their trade union duties or to take part in union training.

This right applies to:

• workplace reps and stewards
• health and safety reps
• union learning reps
• information and consultation reps
• part-time activists and those who take part in online courses.

Duties covered

Workplace reps are entitled to paid time off to cover the following duties:

• Trade union duties related to collective bargaining, on issues like terms and conditions of employment; redundancies; job evaluation; family friendly policies; discipline; trade union facilities; and negotiating machinery
• Individual representation.
• Meetings with management and preparation for these meetings.
• Keeping members informed about negotiations.

Legal advice

The Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 sets out the basic rules governing union reps’ rights to paid time off for union duties.

Practical guidance on how the law should apply is laid down in an ACAS code of practice.

It is best to give several weeks’ notice to employers and to provide managers with information about the course as required.

If you or your branch are experiencing difficulties in obtaining time off for union training, contact your region. 

Learning FAQs

Find out more about booking and attending courses and getting time off for training in our Learning FAQs.