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2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Key Messages from the Consultation
2.1 The overall response to the consultation was positive, with only three responses not being in favour of introducing the right to request time off to train for employees in Scotland. Many respondents felt that the introduction of this right would reinforce a culture whereby employees are encouraged to develop their skills, thereby increasing their contribution to the business. A number of respondents noted the importance of introducing this right across the UK, to ensure consistency and that employees in Scotland were not disadvantaged.
2.2 On the key question of whether the right to request time to train could help skills development in their organisation, 87% (20) 1 of respondents that answered this question agreed that it would.
2.3 85% (23) of respondents thought that the right to request time to train should cover any training that the individual and employer agree. The remaining 18% believed that only nationally recognised or accredited training should be covered.
2.4 The vast majority of respondents, 84%, agreed that all employers should be included within the proposed right - this was evenly split across all categories of respondents i.e. Employer, Employer Organisation, Trade Unions and Other(s). However, a number of respondents did note the potential impact on small businesses.
2.5 Respondents were asked if you are an employee and had a formal right to request time to train, would you be more likely to approach your employers about your training needs than you are now. The response was fairly evenly divided, although 63% that replied no to this question did so because their company already has systems and processes in place that encourage them to request training.
2.6 Respondents were also asked that if you are an employer and a statutory right to request time to train was introduced would this change your behaviour in terms of giving your staff time off to train. Of the ten respondents who answered this question only two answered 'yes'. However, all of those that responded negatively did so on the basis that their company already has systems and processes in place to encourage staff development.
2.7 The trade unions welcomed the consultation and the proposed right to request time off to train, although many commented they would have liked to see a statutory right to paid time off.
2.8 Although the majority of respondents were supportive of introducing the right to request time off to train, a number of issues were raised. 3 of the respondents were opposed to the introduction of the right to request to time off to train and felt that there were other, more effective ways to encourage employers to invest in training.
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