Corporate report

Time off for public duties review report

Report setting out findings from the review of public duties in section 50 of the Employment Rights Act 1996.

• From: Department for Business and Trade
• Published: 11 June 2026

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

Documents

Time off for public duties review report

Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-6573-5, CP 1584

PDF, 269 KB, 20 pages

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Time off for public duties review report (large print PDF)

Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-6573-5, CP 1584

PDF, 292 KB, 36 pages

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Details

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’.

The findings and proposals are set out in 3 sections:

• local representation and community governance
• frontline public service delivery
• national public service governance

The time off for public duties consultation seeks views on proposed changes to the statutory right to time off work for public duties.

Published 11 June 2026