reducing my hours

[honeytruffle]

I currently work a 37 hour week for an autistic care home. I really want to complete the level 3 children's workforce qualification which requires time in a placement. For this reason I would like to drop my hours to part time. Where do I stand with this? And since the qualification will help me get a job elsewhere rather than better me in my current role, can they refuse purely on this basis?

[Amethyst]

Re: reducing my hours

Have you discussed wanting to further your qualifications with the care home you work in - they may be happy to support you in this (obviously you know whether that's a realistic prospect or not but some firms like to help employee's gain further quals, promote them and offer a better service )Could you not do the placement at your current place of work?

Is there room to move upwards within the home you work in currently ? I wouldn't bring up your intentions of being better qualified helping you get a job elsewhere, more that it will help you in your current role and maybe look at moving up within their home when the opportunity arises.

How long have you worked there for ?

[charitynjw]

Re: reducing my hours

Section 63D of the Employment Rights Act 1996 allows employees of any organisation which has 250 workers or more the right to request further training.
https://www.gov.uk/training-study-work-your-rights
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1996/18/part/6A

This was to be extended to all employers, but was eventually limited to the above qualifying factor via The Apprenticeship, Skills, Children & Learning Act 2009 (Commencement No 2 and Transitional and Savings Provisions) Order 2010 (Amendment) Order 2011 (SI 2011/882)
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/882/made