News Update

05/01/10

Fit to Work Notes - Figures have shown that increasing numbers of individuals who are off work on long-term sick leave is causing a huge expense to organisations. To Address this in April 2010 the new 'fit' note system will replace the current sick note, and the new medical statement will allow doctors to record whether a patient is fit or not fit for work but also include a new option to allow a doctor to indicate where someone "may be fit for some work" in order to change the focus to what the individual can do, rather than just their incapacity. The fit note will be available in both paper and electronic format.

Right to request time off for training - A right to request time off to undertake training, modelled on the right to request flexible working, is being introduced. Employers will be obliged to consider seriously requests that they receive, but will be in a position to refuse a request where there is a good business reason for doing so.

Employers will not be obliged to meet the salary or training costs to enable a request for time off to train to be met.

The Government intends to introduce the right to time off to train for employees in organisations with more than 250 employees from April 2010, with the legislation being extended to cover all employees from April 2011 at the earliest.

Revised code of practice on time off for trade union duties - Acas has issued a revised "Code of practice on time off for trade union duties and activities". It gives practical guidance on how the statutory provisions on time off for trade union duties and activities should work. The revised code of practice is available on the Acas website. This came into force as of January 1st 2010 

For further information on these and other changes please call 0870 050 1131 or email hrdsupport@noblehr.co.uk

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