Many employers recognise the value of the work of councillors and the skills that their employees will gain in the role and therefore provide time off or flexibility for you to undertake your council duties. Employers are required under the Employment Rights Act 1996 to provide reasonable time off work for public duties.

These duties include attendance at committee meetings and approved duties. Most employers are happy to do this for formal meetings of the council, which are usually arranged many months in advance and can, therefore be planned.

However, you should note that there is no legal requirement for an employer to pay a councillor for the time they take off to carry out their councillor role.