This consultation seeks views on updating the statutory right to reasonable time off for public duties under the Employment Rights Act 1996, ensuring it remains relevant and balanced. Our response highlights the benefits of public duties, the role of HR in assessing reasonable time off, and proposals on which roles should be added to or removed from eligibility.

  • The CIPD supports employees taking reasonable time off for public duties, as roles such as school governor, magistrate or councillor can develop valuable skills and benefit employers and local communities. 
  • However, employers must balance these benefits against operational challenges, with HR playing a key role in deciding what level of time off is reasonable. 
  • The CIPD recommends improving GOV.UK guidance by clarifying eligibility first and explicitly stating that reasonable time off can include required training and development for public roles. 
  • The CIPD supports adding several new roles, including special constables, academy governors and fee-paid judges, to the list of eligible public duties, while supporting the removal of certain national board positions that no longer align with the legislation’s original local focus.

Our response to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade’s consultation: Time off for Public Duties

Our response to the Time off for Public Duties consultation
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