Change of https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/time-off-for-public-duties

Change description : 2026-06-12 09:30:00: First published. [Policy papers and consultations]

Showing diff : ..2026-06-12 08:33:44.300433107 +00:00

Open consultation

Time off for public duties

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

Summary

We are seeking views on how the right to time off work for public duties operates in practice, and on proposed changes to the list of public duties eligible for time off under this legislation.

This consultation closes at

Consultation description

The government carried out an internal review of the list of public duties eligible for time off work under section 50 of the Employment Rights Act 1996, with consideration of special constables.

This review aimed to ensure the list remains fit for purpose and continues to support the effective functioning of modern public services. The findings of this review, and proposed changes to the legislation, are set out in the Time off for public duties review report.

This consultation seeks views on those proposed changes. It covers:

  • which public duties should be eligible for time off
  • proposed additions and removals to the current list of public duties
  • how the entitlement works in practice

You can respond online, by email, or by post.

Documents

Time off for public duties consultation

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email digital@businessandtrade.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Ways to respond

or

Email to:

publicduties@businessandtrade.gov.uk

Write to:

Time off for public duties policy – Participation Strategy Team, Employment Rights Directorate
Department for Business and Trade
Old Admiralty Building
Admiralty Place
London
SW1A 2DY

Updates to this page

Published 12 June 2026

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Update history

2026-06-12 09:30
First published.