Department of Health and Social Care: Facilities Agreements
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether (a) his Department and (b) NHS England plan to issue revised guidance on trade union facility time in (i) the NHS and (ii) Arm’s Length Bodies.
Answered by Karin Smyth
There are currently no plans for the Department or NHS England to issue revised guidance on trade union facility time. Existing relevant legislative provisions are outlined in the ACAS Code of Practice on time off for trade union duties and activities and incorporated into relevant National Health Service employment frameworks, including Section 25 of the NHS terms and conditions service handbook. ACAS is updating its Code of Practice following changes made by the Employment Rights Act 2025. Any implications for the NHS terms and conditions would be considered through the NHS Staff Council supported by NHS Employers, once the updated ACAS Code is finalised.
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