UK Employment Contract Issues

[ukgimp]

Without getting into details or asking for legal advice I am hoping to be steered in the right direction to find out what the situation is regarding taking time off for job interviews when you are coming to the end of a short term contract (1 year). I am sure i read that you have to be allowed some (within reason) time off.

Can anyone confirm/deny/steer on this issue.

[iamlost]

I looked into this some time back when advising a friend re accepting a contract. She took several concerns, including yours, and had contract revised prior to signing - something to consider next time.

A solicitor may be more helpful than what the uk gov puts on the net but my research said unless it was in the contract, or your employer agreed, or you had been in at least two years continuous employment you were/are out of luck.

quote from:
[acas.org.uk ]

Apart from parental leave, and time off for emergency reasons involving dependents, as set out in the Employment Relations Act 1999, there is no general statutory right to extended leave without pay and whether it is granted is a matter for agreement between employer and employee, or where appropriate with trade unions.

...........

Employees have a statutory entitlement to time off for the following:

• ante-natal care
• paternity leave
• adoptive leave
• time off for family emergencies
• to look for work if declared redundant with at least two years' service
• public duties
• trade union duties and activities.

Of course you could always call in sick and try not getting caught. Just like school.

I take it there is some reason not to ask your boss?

[ukgimp]

>>I take it there is some reason not to ask your boss?

He wont know :). We have a large personell dept who seem cagey with useful info. I got told three months notice when I on have 3.5 months left on my contract, since found out that is very negotiable.

I have been here for three years though, but I have not been declared as redundant.

Thanks for your reply

[Essex_boy]

UKGIMP

Ring a national uk employment agency like Hays theyll be able to give good advice