As shown by the below answer to a parliamentary question

Public Sector: Trade Union Officials

Priti Patel: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will issue a standard facility time agreement to public sector employers which sets out (a) duties which can be undertaken, (b) procedures for approval of such facilities time and (c) provision for the publication of (i) each instance of such facilities time and (ii) the cost of such time. [84623]

6 Dec 2011 : Column 272W

Mr Maude: The Government intend to commence consultation shortly with the nationally recognised civil service trade unions on facility time. The aim of the consultation is to introduce a new framework for the provision of facility time and time off for trade union activities in the civil service.