S.61 of the Employment Protection Act provides a right for employees who have been given notice of dismissal by reason of redundancy to be allowed reasonable time off during working hours to look for new employment or make training arrangements. In Dutton v Hawker Siddeley Aviation Ltd, the Employment Appeal Tribunal has its first opportunity to consider this section. Several principles emerge from the EAT's decision.
In Corner v Buckinghamshire County Council, a time off for public duties case, the EAT holds the Industrial Tribunal can do no more than declare that the employer had failed to allow the employee to take reasonable time off and, if appropriate, make an award of compensation.