Training: A Right for Workers or a Competitive Advantage for Companies?

What is worker training?

This training is a right that workers have. This right is set out in Article 127(1)(d) of the Labour Code (CT), which describes that the employer has the duty to “contribute to the increase in the productivity and employability of the worker, in particular by providing him with appropriate vocational training to develop his qualifications”. This duty translates into the obligation of the company to provide training, each year, to a minimum of 10 % of its employees, and to guarantee, to each of the workers, a minimum number of 40 hours of continuous training (Article 131 of the Labour Code).

Training of fixed-term workers

In the case of fixed-term employment contracts for a period of 3 months or more, the number of training hours is proportional to the duration of the contract in that year.

Benefits of training workers in the company

The training of workers benefits both the workers and the company, which can thus grow in competitiveness. This obligation aims to ensure that employees maintain and develop their professional skills and are up to date with market and company needs. For example, learning to use a new tool (Excel, Power BI, etc.), accessing new knowledge (data protection, cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, etc.) will make the worker grow in knowledge and feel valued.

How is staff training delivered?

Training may be provided in the context of work by a training entity certified for this purpose or by an educational establishment recognized by the competent ministry. All activities aimed at the professional development of the worker, provided that they are promoted or accepted by the employer, are counted as training hours. Therefore, it is not mandatory that it is a certified training.

• Courses certified by external entities;
• Internal training sessions;
• Workshops and seminars;
• Distance professional development activities;
• Continuous training in an e-learning system.

When is the training of workers carried out?

The training hours must be carried out during working hours, unless agreed between the parties. On the other hand, if the training is given outside of working hours, the employee must receive the compensation due, according to the Labour Code.

What happens if the company does not provide the mandatory training hours?

In this eventuality, the company is obliged to pay for the hours of training that were not given. According to the Labour Code, the amount to be paid corresponds to the worker’s basic salary (compensation equivalent to its value per hour multiplied by the number of hours of training not given). The fact that the employer does not carry out the continuous training due to the worker gives him a credit of hours for his training.

Is the worker obliged to attend personnel training?

It is the duty of the worker to participate actively and with interest in vocational training actions, since these aim not only at their professional development, but also at the growth and evolution of the company. In addition to training, there are other obligations when creating a company in Portugal. The relationship between companies and their employees must be kept up to date. Do you know them all? Does your company in Portugal comply with the law? Contact CE Consulting Portugal if you need comprehensive employment advice to help you meet your obligations as an employer.“`