Time off for public duties

From:: Department for Business and Trade, Kate Dearden MP and The Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP
Published: 12 June 2026

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
11:59pm on 4 September 2026

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