Training and Education Policy Date: February 2016
Internal, Further Education Policy, Version1, Page 1 of 5
Where to find things.
Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 1.
Who’s this policy for? .......................................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.
Can I request time off work for work-related training? ...................................................................................................... 3
3.
How do I request the time off? ........................................................................................................................................................ 3
4.
Will the time off be paid? ................................................................................................................................................................... 3
5.
Is there a limit to the amount of time I can request? ............................................................................................................. 3
6.
What happens next after I have submitted my request? .................................................................................................... 3
7.
Could my request be turned down? .............................................................................................................................................. 3
8.
Do I have the right to bring someone with me to these meetings?................................................................................. 3
9.
Is the time off different for young workers? ............................................................................................................................ 3
10.
Can this request be refused? ....................................................................................................................................................... 4
11.
Can I request time off for study leave?................................................................................................................................... 4
12.
What’s the process for gaining a sponsored professional qualification? ............................................................... 4
13.
What if I want to undertake study or training that isn’t work-related?.................................................................. 4
Policy information. ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Ownership and confidentiality ................................................................................................................................................................. 4 Appendix A- Time off for Study / Training request:................................................................................................ 5
Internal, Further Education Policy, Version1, Page 2 of 5
5.
Introduction If you’re a colleague who is thinking about studying or training now or in the future, this policy tells you what you need to do and how we will support you.
Is there a limit to the amount of time I can request?
This policy may change from time to time so please make sure you’re reading the most up to date version.
No, there’s no limit to the amount of time you request to take off. However, you can only make one request for time off within a 12 month period; for example, in one request you could ask that you have one week in January and one week in May off that year.
1.
6.
Who’s this policy for?
What happens next submitted my request?
after
I
have
It applies to any permanent Tesco colleagues. This policy doesn’t form part of your contract and may be amended at any time.
2.
Can I request time off work for workrelated training?
Yes, if you want to study for a qualification or attend training outside of work, you can request time off under the ‘time to train’ legislation as long as you’re eligible to do so. To be eligible you need to be:
A permanent Tesco colleague. Have been employed by Tesco for at least 26 weeks. Able to demonstrate that the training will help you to do your job better.
You’re not able to request time off for training if you fall into one of the groups below:
3.
Of compulsory School Age (School Age in Scotland) A young person with the rights to paid time off (See section 9) Aged 16 to 18 and already expected to take part in education or training A Reservist in the Armed Forces
How do I request the time off?
If you wish to request time off then please submit your request in writing to your manager (email is also fine) by completing the ‘Time off for study / training request’ form. You can find the form at the end of the document or by clicking here.
4.
Will the time off be paid?
Besides some exceptional circumstances, we usually don’t pay you for the time off, however we will try and accommodate the time off by swapping shifts, working flexibly etc. where possible. Please speak to your People Manager to discuss the options available to you.
Your manager will consider your request and either agree it in writing or hold a meeting with you if they need more details within 28 days from the date of the request. A decision will be made within 14 days of the meeting and you’ll be notified in writing. In some circumstances these timescales will need to be extended.
7.
Could my request be turned down?
Yes, unfortunately, we may not always be able to agree to your request and the reason for the refusal will be fully discussed with you. However, some of the reasons your request may be refused are listed below.
The impact of you being off means we’re unable to meet customer demands There aren’t enough colleagues available to cover your work We believe that the training would not benefit the business Your time off would run up extra cost for the business There would not be enough work for you to do on the proposed alternative days/times off work It would damage quality and business performance It conflicts with planned structural changes
If, following the discussion around the reasons for refusal you want to appeal the decision you must do so in writing within 14 days of being informed of the decision. Make sure you include the date and detail the reasons why you wish to appeal. An appeal meeting will normally be held within 14 days of receiving your request and a decision will be made and given to you within 14 days of that meeting.
8.
Do I have the right to bring someone with me to these meetings?
Yes, you can have either a colleague or Trade Union Representative accompany you to these meetings.
9.
Is the time off different for young workers?
Internal, Further Education Policy, Version1, Page 3 of 5
Yes you can request paid time off from work if:
You don’t have a recognised level 2 qualification and are aged 16-17; or
You’re 18; still studying and you started your
Importantly, study leave can only be used for study towards a nationally recognised qualification, for example, a BTEC, Degree or A-Levels.
12.
course/training before your 18th birthday.
What’s the process for gaining a sponsored professional qualification?
In some circumstances, we may offer financial support You can’t request paid time off if you:
towards professionally recognised qualifications such as,
Have 5 or more GCSE’s A*-C grade or equivalent level 2 qualification
process does not apply to courses needed to perform your duties, for example, first aid. Please speak to your
Are in full time education e.g. A-Levels or another organisations apprenticeship training.
Young workers: To request paid time off, please submit your request in writing to your manager (email is also fine) by completing the ‘Time off for study / training request’ form. You can find the form at the end of the document or by clicking here.
10.
but not limited to, CIMA, AAT, CIM, among others. This
Can this request be refused?
We will consider all reasonable requests. However, due to business needs we may not always be able to accept all requests. Any decision to refuse a request will be fully discussed with you. Please make sure you give at least 4 weeks’ notice. If you work part-time we’d expect you to arrange study or training on the days you do not work, where possible.
manager and People Manager to discuss the possibility of sponsorship if you believe this may be something of benefit to your career or the organisation. A letter of agreement will be provided to you by your People Team or manager for you to accept or decline before your study starts. Please be aware that financial support will be subject to a repayment agreement if you don’t fully complete your course or leave the organisation within 12 months of completing your studies.
13.
What if I want to undertake study or training that isn’t work-related?
We understand that you may choose to undertake study or training in your own interest, e.g. an interior design class every Friday afternoon. Please discuss with your
If your request is refused and you would like to appeal the decision please follow the process outlined in section 7 of this document.
manager the options available to you in this instance. You
11.
working policy or it could be that you wish to reduce your
Can I request time off for study leave?
may wish to work flexibly depending on the circumstance and frequency, for more information see the flexible hours. Your manager will be able to help you make the
Yes, in some instances you may require study leave, for example, before an important exam; please provide at least 4 weeks’ notice so we can support your request.
decision that is right for you.
This time is usually unpaid, unless otherwise agreed.
Version No.
Date of Summary of change change
1
8th February
To request time off for study leave, please submit your request in writing to your manager (email is fine) by completing the ‘Time off for study / training request’ form. Select the study leave option on the form. You can find the form at the end of this document or by clicking here. If you’d prefer to be paid, you can use your holiday for this period of time following the standard holiday procedure. If you wish to be off for periods of four weeks or longer, we can discuss you taking a lifestyle break.
Policy information.
New Policy
2016
Policy owner:
[email protected] Ownership and confidentiality: This policy and any associated documentation remains the property of Tesco and should be returned if requested.
Internal, Further Education Policy, Version1, Page 4 of 5
APPENDIX A- TIME OFF FOR STUDY / TRAINING REQUEST: Name:
Request submission date:
Employee Number:
Date of birth:
Manager name:
Amount of time off requested (including to and from dates if applicable):
Training / study subject:
Have you made a prior request? If so, When?
Location: Provider: Qualification achieved: Contact: How will this help you do your job better and help the business?
Are there any associated costs? For example: Fees, books, materials.
Colleague Signature:
Internal, Further Education Policy, Version1, Page 5 of 5
