Time out for training move delayed

The Optical Confederation has welcomed the government's decision to delay extending 'time out for training' to small and medium-sized firms until at least April 2015.

It argued strongly against the move to extend the right to employees of all firms in 2011, calling it a 'bureaucratic extension to optometry and optics' that was unnecessary. Employees in large businesses with over 250 staff have had the right to request time off for work-related training since April 2010.

The delay was described as a small victory for the sector. 'By definition optometrists and opticians are already highly trained and also have CET responsibilities, as do their employers, under GOC and NHS rules,' it said.