Small business owners have been advised that new guidance has been issued by the government to inform employers about the new right of staff to request time off for training.

The right of staff to request time off for training will come into effect on the 6th of April this year, although the introduction of the right will be phased.

The right will be made available to staff in organisations with 250 or more employees from April 2010 before being extended to all employees from April 2011. This will give smaller organisations and businesses more time to prepare for its introduction.

"Many businesses and organisations are really good at training their staff and already recognise the benefits of having a highly skilled and motivated workforce. While two-thirds of businesses do train their staff, we need to encourage employers and employees who do not to speak about training opportunities," said Skills minister Kevin Brennan.

Guidance for employers is being made available through Business Link and will be published 12 weeks before the right is implemented.