Can I take time off work to look for another job?
If you have 2 years' service you are allowed a reasonable amount of time off during your notice period to:
- Look for another job
- Arrange training
Agree time off with your manager in the normal way.
Be prepared to provide details of the interview time and venue etc to demonstrate that your request is reasonable.
Contact your Human Resources (HR) Department directly for fast track help if your request is refused and, if necessary, contact your Usdaw rep and raise a grievance. You can go to a tribunal but in reality that will take too long to be useful, so do all you can to find an agreed solution.
Will I be paid if I take time off to look for another job?
Yes, but under the statute the pay is limited.
The statutory entitlement is two fifths of a week's pay, although you may be entitled to take more time off. For example, if you work 5 days a week and take 4 days off in total during the notice period, your employer only has to pay you for the first 2 days.
You may be able to agree more time off with pay with your manager.
The Union may have agreed better arrangements for paid time off through the consultation process - check with your Usdaw rep.
Additional support for job searching may have been agreed with the Union.
If you do not get paid you should raise a grievance and you can make a tribunal claim if the issue can't be resolved.