Statutory Training and Updates

[everychildmatters]

I've been asked to complete these modules - approx 3 hours work - but this will be unpaid and in my own time.

Is this a reasonable request?

No.

@helpfulperson That's what I thought. But as I work with children company are saying unless I complete this unpaid and in my own time they will no longer provide further bookings!!

Ah, it is a bit different then. I thought you meant your employer was asking you to do that. If it is a client now requesting that all their suppliers have a certain qualification/training, I guess they can.

Are you self employed?

@MrsBennetsPoorNerves No - I work for the Local Authority. My husband works for the same LA (similar but different role) and all of his mandatory training is done in work hours without exception.

Easy, just look at your contract and point to where it says mandatory training is to be reimbursed time for time. If you can’t find it ask your union, they’ll be able to advise you.

@MollyRover Do you know what's "normal" here? As in what happens when you do mandatory training and updates? I've asked my SIL (nurse) and she does it all in work hours.

You’re basically a civil servant so of course it’s supposed to be completed during working time. It will definitely be stated in your T&Cs.

What type of contract do you have? Are you only paid for the bookings, or are you paid for fixed hours every week?

If you are an employee training should be completed during work hours.

@GlorifiedChair Literally only paid for bookings. No holiday or sick pay.

That might be different then. Is it a zero hour contract? How are you employed if you’re only paid per booking?

@MollyRover I'm a SEN tutor through an agency but working for LA.

Well yes if you are through an agency that's entirely different from being an employee.

Presumably that's because she is an employee though?

hmmm im a supply teacher so similar and I think I might be expected to do safeguarding training each year and I wouldn’t be paid for it (not sure as it’s a recent move and I’d already done safeguarding training for a different reason).

on the plus side, assuming it’s safeguarding training or similar and it’s online stuff it won’t take anywhere near the advertised 3 hours, probably under an hour. I’ve never spent even half the time completing any training like that (which is virtually identical every year) compared to what is advertised.

You’re not employed by the LA. The agency should pay for the training morally but you need to check your terms and conditions with the agency. The local authority has nothing to do with it really.

Don't you accrue holiday pay via your agency? If you're in a job for over 12 weeks you're entitled to holiday pay.

I'm not sure why the agency should pay?
Surely it's like any other self employed person and those are costs you have to cover?

Usually the benefit is a higher hourly rate.

LAs are a law unto themselves. I'm self employed but provide a service via the LA, and it's always "it is a condition of payment that you xyz". I spend hours completing training and replying to emails and surveys in my own time, and have to pay to attend it too!

She’s not self employed though, she’s an agency employee she said. Although considering her previous posts I’m not sure if she completely understands her t and cs. she might be self employed but not know.

No - I'm definitely not self-employed.

So are you employed by the agency then? Sick pay, holidays etc.?

Ultimately the LA doesn't employ you so there is no reason they should pay for your time spent training.

I doubt your agency is responsible either (though check your contract) and it would be your responsibility as an agency worker to make sure you have suitable training for the jobs you take on.

Edit: You might find this helpful: https://www.acas.org.uk/agency-workers

@GlorifiedChair I'm employed via the agency for the hours I tutor. If I'm not working the hours I don't get paid. So no, no sick pay.