Graduates get new training rights - graduate jobs

A gGovernment scheme has given graduates new rights to request time off work for training or studying.

The Time to Train programme will initially only affect people who work in businesses with more than 250 staff.

It is due to be extended to all employees from April 2011.

According to ministers, smaller organisations and companies have time to prepare due to its phased introduction.

Skills minister Kevin Brennan said: "We need to empower people to speak about training opportunities and the benefits they can bring to a business success.

"Many companies and organisations are very good at training their staff, but we need to make sure that all businesses are advising employees on what is on offer.

"This is where a regulation like Time to Train will be able to help people. It will give them the confidence to ask about training and skills, allowing them to take control of their own careers."

The legal right will allow employees to request time to undertake relevant study or training that employers are required to consider seriously.

Employers are not obliged to approve every request - they can be turned down if there is a good business reason to do so.