New ACAS Code of Practice for Union Duties

The New Acas Code of Practice on time off for union duties and activities came into force on 1 January 2010. It provides good practice guidance on dealing with time off for trade union representatives and contains information on time off for training, the responsibilities of employers and trade unions and agreements on time off.

The Code replaces an earlier time off code and has been written to take account of the workplace in the 21st Century.  Further advice on the role and responsibilities of employee representatives as well as managing time off, training and facilities for them is provided in two new Acas guides: Trade Union representation in the workplace and non-union representation in the workplace.

The Code and guides can be downloaded or ordered online at www.acas.org.uk/publications.