Mandatory training while on upaid leave
Mandatory training while on upaid leave
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Discussion

Jader1973

Original Poster:

5,116 posts

229 months

Thursday 28th May 2015
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Hypothetical situation:

I am on unpaid maternity leave, can my employer insist I have to come in to the office to undertake mandatory training that has to be completed by all employees by a specific date?

The training is available on line (intranet) all year round because new employees have to take it within a couple of weeks of starting. They've implemented a new regime where everyone else has to do it by mid-June or face disciplinary proceedings.

My laptop was left at work when I went on leave so I can't do it from home.

People on paid leave can complete the training when they come back to work.


Is my employer: right; wrong; stupid; breaking the law?


Discuss.....




BJG1

5,966 posts

241 months

Thursday 28th May 2015
quotequote all
Almost certainly breaking employment law although IANAL.

If the person in this situation is a woman they would have a case for sexual discrimination which I believe is uncapped for compensation in an unfair dismissal case.

Vaud

59,288 posts

184 months

Thursday 28th May 2015
quotequote all
IANAL

Call ACAS, they would be well placed to advise.

During maternity leave, up to 10 days of "keeping in touch" days may (stress may) be agreed.

I cannot see any way she could be enforced to attend training, let alone be subject to disciplinary. Sounds like ill informed HR and management.

They could reasonably expect that it is one of the first things she does on her return so that maintain what is presumably their compliance goal of any working employee having been trained. Key is, she is one right now.

If ACAS can't help, email Breadvan72, although he doesn't post much any more this is his area and he has been known to help PHers.

Jasandjules

72,578 posts

258 months

Thursday 28th May 2015
quotequote all
Maternity leave is a totally different ball game to any other leave.

There is no such thing as anything being mandatory. You have KIT days however they are at your option, not theirs.