The Individual Training Permit (PIF) is a law for employees to request time off to undertake formal studies, whilst continuing to receive their salary for the duration of this process. These measures are designed to improve professional qualifications and enable employees to adapt to new trends in the labour market without having to give up their job or their salary.
How many days of paid leave are there for training?
According to the State Foundation for Vocational Training (FUNDAE), which is the body responsible for administering this subsidised training, the time limit for this leave is 200 working hours by academic year or calendar year, as appropriate.
In days, this is equivalent to 25 days a year provided that the person carrying out the work is on a full-time contract.
How many PIFs can I apply for?
In the case of this permit, the limit is not on the number of permits but on the number of hours, as we mentioned earlier. Those 200 hours can be divided into as many permits as are necessary, provided that the total does not exceed the eligible limit for the company. There is also a restriction on the maximum number of hours per day, which cannot exceed 8, just as is the case with a normal working day.
How are training hours calculated?
It is essential to understand that The PIF hours allocated to the employee refer to the hours during which they are absent from work to attend training, not during the hours of the course you are currently taking.
These hours are regarded as actual working time and must therefore be remunerated as such. Depending on the agreement, these hours may coincide in full or in part.
Who pays for the individual training permit?
It is the company which continues to pay the worker’s wages whilst they are carrying out the training and with the PIF active. After this period, the company recoup the cost through Social Security rebates, provided that it meets the requirements imposed on organisations, which are:
- Have no outstanding liabilities to the tax authorities or the social security system.
- Permission has been granted in writing.
- The PIF has been correctly submitted to FUNDAE.
- Have training credit available.
Requirements for applying for a PIF
For those workers, the requirements are:
- To be a salaried employee.
- Request authorisation from the company to carry out the PIF and ensure that it is approved.
- Complete a recognised training course, i.e. one that is officially recognised or accredited by the SEPE or the Ministry of Education.
- The course must be face-to-face or, at the very least, include compulsory face-to-face classes, practical sessions or tutorials.
- This must be carried out during the employee’s working hours, at least in part.
- It cannot be an in-house training programme.
Procedures and required documentation
If you wish to apply for this permit, you must submit a formal application and enclose the following:
- The applicant’s details and the role they hold within the company.
- Information about the training.
- Course timetable that fits in with working hours.
- Proof of enrolment or registration.
Once these documents have been submitted to the company, the company must authorise the permit.
What happens if the company refuses permission?
It is possible that the company refuse the permit, What can I do in this situation?
Firstly, check that the application is correct and that no information is missing, and verify that the training requested meets the required criteria. If we have already carried out the necessary checks and the justification is not objective, we can:
- Try to resolve the matter internally or speak to a trade union representative.
- Lodge a complaint with the Labour Inspectorate, as this is a matter of employment law.
Conclusion
In short, the Individual Training Permit (PIF) is a opportunity for workers who wish to improve their skills without having to give up their salary, as well as an excellent way for the company to motivate employees to improve. Investing in continuing professional development It is beneficial to both parties, and understanding the features of this permit will go a long way towards ensuring it is applied correctly.
