Is it acceptable for a full time worker (Monday to Friday) to be required to do compulsory first aid training on a Saturday unpaid?

Depends on the employment, whether the employee is hourly paid or salaried, and what the contract says, but generally No. As it will be considered part of the job.

Salaried although works out not much above minimum wage. Not sure what the contract says tbh.

Check the contract as witha lot of salaried jobs, the employee can be required to attend training after their normal hours.

For instance, where i work, the normal salaried hours are 43 hours a week. However the salaried staff can work in excess of 60+. They do have to attend training courses at other sites, but those are counted towards their salaried hours.

Do you get anything in return for being a first aider? What would happen if you didn't do it any more?

Are you being compelled to be a first aider?

Do you get anything in return for being a first aider? What would happen if you didn't do it any more?

It's not me but it's at a children's nursery and I understand all the staff are meant to do it. Tbh the person involved isn't questioning it, but after a full week I thought it seemed a bit off to do an extra days training for 2 weeks on the trot. I don't like to see employers take advantage of staff but maybe it's the norm for some, which is why I asked the question.

Difficult. Some people see this training as a benefit as it has uses outside work. Not all staff need to be qualified even in a nursery situation but it does make rostering easier.

I think it depends if the person objects and is prepared to ask questions really.

Compulsory training will however be counted towards the number of hours worked for minimum wage purposes, so will be unlawful if it takes employees below that.

It's part of Health & Safety, it's part of the job, any compulsory first aid should be carried out during contracted working hours. Employee Handbook and contract of employment should state that.

Thanks for the input folks. It's certainly a useful skill and good on the cv. The company that run the nursery are a big multi-national and far from the worst employers. The person doesn't object and very happy in her job but things like this and staff meetings at 6.30 pm after a 7 am start do seem a bit off, but I guess that's the nature of the job as it can't be done when the kids are there.

Thanks again.