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Statutory Training and Updates

46 replies

everychildmatters · 06/06/2025 12:51

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?

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helpfulperson · 06/06/2025 12:53

No.

everychildmatters · 06/06/2025 12:55

@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!!

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PetiteBlondeDuBoulevardBrune · 06/06/2025 13:20

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.

MrsBennetsPoorNerves · 06/06/2025 13:21

Are you self employed?

everychildmatters · 06/06/2025 15:41

@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.

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MollyRover · 06/06/2025 15:48

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.

everychildmatters · 06/06/2025 16:30

@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.

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MollyRover · 06/06/2025 16:57

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.

GlorifiedChair · 06/06/2025 17:04

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

Greenartywitch · 06/06/2025 17:18

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

everychildmatters · 06/06/2025 18:24

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

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MollyRover · 06/06/2025 18:54

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

everychildmatters · 06/06/2025 19:07

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

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MiracleCures · 06/06/2025 19:11

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

MiracleCures · 06/06/2025 19:11

everychildmatters · 06/06/2025 16:30

@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.

Presumably that's because she is an employee though?

modgepodge · 06/06/2025 19:15

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.

MollyRover · 07/06/2025 07:27

everychildmatters · 06/06/2025 19:07

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

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.

zzpled · 07/06/2025 07:37

everychildmatters · 06/06/2025 18:24

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

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.

MiracleCures · 07/06/2025 08:29

MollyRover · 07/06/2025 07:27

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.

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.

daffodilandtulip · 07/06/2025 09:00

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!

MollyRover · 07/06/2025 10:11

MiracleCures · 07/06/2025 08:29

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.

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.

everychildmatters · 07/06/2025 12:21

No - I'm definitely not self-employed.

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GlorifiedChair · 07/06/2025 16:08

everychildmatters · 07/06/2025 12:21

No - I'm definitely not self-employed.

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

GlorifiedChair · 07/06/2025 16:18

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

everychildmatters · 07/06/2025 16:47

@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.

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