The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills has launched a consultation exercise on a proposed new law, whereby employees will have the right to request time off work to complete relevant training. It is planned that the new entitlement will apply to all employees who have worked for their employer for a minimum of 26 weeks. It is proposed that requests should be treated in a similar way to those for flexible working, with employers required to give them serious consideration. The consultation closes on 10 September 2008.