Bildungsurlaub

Educational leave is an important part of further training. Hessian employees are generally entitled to five days of paid leave from work per year to take part in educational events in accordance with the Hessian Educational Leave Act (HBUG). However, if the employee regularly works more or less than five days a week, the entitlement increases or decreases accordingly. Apprentices, persons similar to employees and employees in workshops for the disabled also have the same entitlement. The prerequisite for taking educational leave is that the educational event has been recognized by the Hessian Ministry of Labour, Integration, Youth and Social Affairs.

Further information on educational leave can be found on the website of the Hessian Ministry of Labor, Integration, Youth and Social Affairs under "Bildungsurlaub Hessen".

In addition to the notification (in text form) of the utilization and timing of the educational leave, the following documents must also be submitted to the employment agency in accordance with the Hessian Educational Leave Act:

• Confirmation of registration for the event
• Proof that the event has been recognized as educational leave by the Hessian recognition authority (a copy of the recognition notice submitted to the organizer is recommended)
• Program of the event, stating the target group, learning objectives, learning content and schedule
• When taking time off to participate in a recognized training course to perform a voluntary position, proof of the voluntary activity must also be submitted to the employment agency.

After participation, a confirmation of participation from the organizer must be submitted to the employment agency.

All employees whose main place of work is in Hesse as well as Hessian trainees are entitled to time off to take part in recognized educational leave events. Events for political education, further vocational training or training for voluntary work are recognized. The entitlement is acquired for the first time after six months of employment or training.

However, trainees cannot claim their entitlement for seminars for further vocational training. Participation in shortened and split events (events that take place in two blocks) is also excluded.

• Seminar fees: The seminar fees and any additional costs incurred, such as travel costs, accommodation, meals or similar, must be borne by the employees themselves.
• Remuneration during the leave of absence: The salary or training allowance will continue to be paid by the place of employment for the duration of participation in a training leave event.

Employees must notify their employment agency of their entitlement to time off as early as possible - at the latest six weeks before the start of an educational leave event. The notification of entitlement must be made in text form.

The entitlement to educational leave can be claimed for the first time after six months of employment or training. The employment agency must be notified in text form of the claim and the timing of the planned educational leave.

In accordance with the Hessian Educational Leave Act, notification should be given as early as possible, but no later than six weeks before the start of the event.

The employee must be notified of the refusal of educational leave in text form, stating the reasons, no later than three weeks after receipt of the notification. If the refusal is not made in due form or time, the leave of absence is deemed to have been granted.

Hessian private employment agencies have the option of having their wage costs reimbursed by the state of Hesse in two cases:

1. for time off to take part in recognized training courses for voluntary work
2. for micro and small companies (up to 20 employees) for time off to participate in recognized political education or professional development events

The Kassel Regional Council is responsible for the wage cost reimbursement procedure. You can find more information on the reimbursement procedure on their website.

Hessian Ministry of Labor, Integration, Youth and Social Affairs

Department III 7 "Labor and collective bargaining law, educational leave"

Phone: 0611/3219-3673

E-mail: bildungsurlaub@hsm.hessen.de