European Restructuring Monitor (ERM)
Eurofound's ERM database on restructuring-related legal regulations provides information on regulations in the Member States of the European Union and Norway which are explicitly or implicitly linked to anticipating and managing change.
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Improvement of qualification implies ongoing update of qualification, without a substantial change of the nature of the qualification itself (for instance by acquiring new skills). An employee is obliged to improve his/her qualification to perform an agreed type of work. The employer may require an employee to take part in courses or training, or similar initiatives. An employee's participation in such activities shall be considered as working time for which the employee is entitled to his/her wage or salary. The employer shall bear the costs connected with updating of qualification.
Qualification upgrade shall mean a change in the level of qualification, for example a secretary upgrading her qualification to payroll accountant. Qualification upgrade shall include studies, training and other forms of education for the purpose of attaining higher level education (qualification) provided that this conforms to the needs of the employer. An employee who upgrades his or her qualification in the interest of the employer is entitled to compensatory wage which covers the necessary time to attend lessons, courses of instruction or training and examinations within a study. The employer is not obliged to allow upgrading of qualification during working hours, nor to cover the associated costs. An employee shall not be forced by the employer to upgrade his or her qualification.
Improvement and upgrading of qualification are the most frequent forms of professional development of employees according to the Czech Labour Code. Both forms are often confused. Employers often chose the most favourable and less expensive option.
Eurofound (2015), Czechia: Employees obligation to undertake training, Restructuring legislation database, Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/legislationdb/employees-obligation-to-undertake-training/czechia
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