Leave allowance for training/conferences?

glider3560

I went to a job interview last week for a professional job. As part of the benefits, they explained you receive 20 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays + 3 days for "development and training".

I was told most staff use the extra three days for training courses or conferences, related to their job. But, from further discussion, it turns out the staff member is expected to pay for the training, conference and travel from their own pocket. Anything longer than 3 days per year has to be taken from your annual leave allowance.

Is this normal? In my current job (and my previous one), training/conferences are considered working time, so no leave needs to be taken. I also get reimbursed for travel, subsistence, etc and they pay for the course/conference. Seems like either I've had two very good employers, or just come across one bad employer.

unforeseen

It sounds like the employer is being generous by allowing additional paid days to allow you to do additional professional training and development that you wish to do but is not a requirement for the role.

I.E. they will give you paid time off to better yourself.

Undervalued

glider3560 wrote: »

I went to a job interview last week for a professional job. As part of the benefits, they explained you receive 20 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays + 3 days for "development and training".

I was told most staff use the extra three days for training courses or conferences, related to their job. But, from further discussion, it turns out the staff member is expected to pay for the training, conference and travel from their own pocket. Anything longer than 3 days per year has to be taken from your annual leave allowance.

Is this normal? In my current job (and my previous one), training/conferences are considered working time, so no leave needs to be taken. I also get reimbursed for travel, subsistence, etc and they pay for the course/conference. Seems like either I've had two very good employers, or just come across one bad employer.

Maybe not but it is perfectly lawful. Those are their terms and they have at least spelt them out clearly. Unless you can negotiate different terms you will have to decide if, overall, the new job is worth taking.

getmore4less

This is probably in addition to the training/conferences deemed required for the job.

Tiddlywinks

Employers can't do right for doing wrong sometimes.

This company is offering three days - over above the annual leave allocation - to spend on personal development.

And yet that's not enough......

michelle09

If you get offered the position- maybe confirm if the three days includes training that is considered necessary for the job?

Personally, I would expect training that my employer wished me to undertake to be covered by them. But if they are offering three days paid for you to do other training that's actually pretty good. Depending on your field you can often find free/subsidised training courses anyway.

clairec79

Outside of compulsory study days it is can be they either give you study leave and you pay for the course, or they pay for the course but go in your own time. Or more often it's on your own time and money

makemesumdosh

Whats your field of employment, can you join a trade union.

if so they can support your costs for training and development.

I am a workplace Rep for Unite (biggest union in the UK with 1.4 million members) and we get members who call or write to us asking for help/assistance in attending.
we have just paid for some members to travel to London by train for a free conference. a few months ago paid in excess of £500 for 3 to stay in hotel, attend a paid for conference and travel.

Maybe this is an option, speak to team members. you will need to pay 2-3 months membership fees currently £14 - £15 a month before you can start asking for assistance.
if you become a Rep by law your employer has to grant you paid time off for meetings, conference's training and representing members.

PM if you need any personal advice as I don't always check the boards on here