'Time to Train' forms part of the government's Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act, which received Royal Assent in November 2009, and allows employees to request time for study or training that will improve their working effectiveness and contribute to improved business performance and productivity.

As of 6 April 2010, employees at companies with more than 250 staff who have worked for their employer for at least 26 consecutive weeks, can request the time off. The scheme will be expanded to include all companies by April 2011.

According to the government, the legislation will be phased in incrementally to allow smaller organisations and businesses more time to prepare.

There is no limit on the length of time allowed for study or training, but employers are not obliged to approve every request if there is a good business reason not to do so. In addition, employers are not obliged to pay staff during training or obliged to pay for the training itself.

Employees can request time off to study for qualifications or for training to help develop skills relevant to the job, workplace or business.

Training can be directly related to the type of work currently being done, but can also be for something that will help an employee progress within the business or in a more general arena, such as improving English language for non-native speakers.

Skills minister Kevin Brennan said: "Many companies and organisations are very good at training their staff, but we need to make sure that all businesses are advising employees on what is on offer.

"This is where a regulation like Time to Train will be able to help people. It will give them the confidence to ask about training and skills, allowing them to take control of their own careers."