What are the legalities of learning a language at work in your lunch hour?

[serenzrp]

Hi, I always get great advice from this website so here's my latest pickle....

I work for a small business in Wales and there's a current incentive from the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) for non Welsh speakers to learn Welsh in their lunch hours from a recommended tutor approved by WAG.

I was just wondering what the Health and Safety aspects were regarding one's lunch hour being used to benefit the company in this way? Have I waived my rights to a lunch hour because with the course being oral based, it's not like eating or drinking would be allowed.

Thanks for any advice and suggestions! :)

[bednobs]

when you say "there is a current incentive" what is the incentive? is the work getting more money because you are doing it? Are you? Surely you have a choice in this?

[redman41]

If I were you I would seek out evening classes if you need to learn Welsh and keep Dinner Hour for your Food. No point going hungry for anyone elses benefit

[Whickerman]

It's up to yourself if you're using your break to do anything other than eat, provided it's your choice.
If it's part of your work though - ie it's mandatory and you're expected to do it - the working time directive kicks in. Nothing to do with having a meal, but you do need to have a break from work.

[humpy07]

Dos ddim rhaid i ti siarad Cymraeg I gweithio at ur Llywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru...

...so why take a course to make their figures look better. The only reason they would offer a course is so that they can say a good percentage of their employees can speak the archaic language.

I've spoken welsh since a child, and the only time I've ever used it outside of a Welsh lesson, is when abroad and trying to confuse Time-share salesmen.