Your manager has asked you to become the office first aider. Or you have spotted that your workplace has no trained first aider and you would like to help. Either way, the same question appears quickly: who pays for the course?
The short answer is that in most cases your employer can pay, and in many cases they should. In this guide, we explain how it works in plain English. You will see what the law says about employers and first aid, what normally happens with fees and paid time, how to ask for funding, what to do if the answer is no and how self employed people and volunteers fit in. This is general information, not legal advice. If you want to see a real course page as you read, here is the Emergency First Aid at Work course in London.
The Short Answer
Yes, an employer can pay for an Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course, and it is very common. If your employer needs you to act as a first aider for their workplace, it is reasonable to expect them to cover the course fee and give you paid time to attend. UK law puts the duty to provide adequate and appropriate first aid on the employer, and there is a general rule that employers must not charge employees for things the law requires them to provide.
If you are choosing to take the course for your own reasons, such as a future career move, your employer has no duty to pay, though many will still help.
What the Law Says About Employers and First Aid
The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 require every employer to provide adequate and appropriate first aid equipment, facilities and people, so that employees can be helped immediately if they are injured or taken ill at work. The law does not give a fixed number of first aiders. Instead, each employer works it out through a first aid needs assessment.
That duty sits with the employer, not with individual employees. So when an employer decides that it needs a trained first aider, providing that training is part of meeting its own duty.
There is also a general principle in the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Section 9 says that no employer shall charge an employee for anything done or provided because of a specific requirement of the relevant health and safety law. In plain terms, employers should not make staff pay for things that the law requires the employer to provide. Whether a particular first aid course falls inside that rule can depend on the facts, so if you are unsure, check with Acas, your trade union or a legal adviser.
HSE also stopped approving first aid training providers in 2013, so employers must choose a competent provider themselves. A regulated Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (RQF) from a recognised awarding organisation is the usual way to show that training is good enough.
Does the Employer Have to Pay, or Can They?
Here is a practical way to think about it.
Your employer has asked or needs you to be a first aider. In this case, the course is for the employer’s benefit and duty. It is fair and common for them to pay the fee and allow paid time, and the legal principle above points the same way.
You are volunteering to be a first aider at work. If the employer accepts and wants you in the role, they should usually cover the cost. Many employers are glad when someone steps forward.
You are taking the course for yourself. For example, you want a first aid certificate for a career change. Your employer is not required to pay, but you can still ask.
Your contract or staff handbook says something. Some contracts, handbooks or union agreements say how training costs and time are handled. Read yours or ask HR.
What Does the Employer Actually Pay For?
When an employer pays for first aid training, several costs may be involved.
- The course fee. The main cost, per person.
- Your time. The wages you would normally earn for the day, since you are away from your normal work.
- Travel. Some employers cover the cost of getting to the venue.
- Refreshers and renewals. Your certificate is valid for three years, and HSE recommends a short yearly refresher, although it is not a legal rule.
- Supplies. A suitably stocked first aid kit and, in some workplaces, an AED.
Good employers think of all of these as part of the cost of having a first aider.
Paid Time: Should the Course Be in Working Hours?
A common worry is whether you have to attend on your own time, such as a weekend. In general, if the training is required for your work, it should count as work time, and you should be paid as normal. Health and safety training in general is expected to take place during working hours, and many employers treat first aid training the same way.
If your employer asks you to attend on a day off, ask how it will be handled. Options include paying you for the day, giving you time off in lieu or moving your normal hours. Check your contract and ask HR if you are unsure.
What Does It Cost the Employer?
To help employers and employees talk about numbers, here are examples. These use the £89 and £75 prices listed on the provider page linked above, at the time of writing in October 2026, together with assumed amounts for staff time. Your own figures will differ, and prices change.
One person
- Course fee: £89
- Assumed daily wage cost: £120
- Total: about £209
Over the three year life of the certificate, that is roughly £70 a year to have one trained first aider.
A team of five
- Course fees at the group rate: 5 x £75 = £375
- Assumed daily wage cost: 5 x £120 = £600
- Total: about £975
That is about £195 per person, or about £65 per person per year across three years. Training at your workplace can reduce travel and keep the team together, and quotes vary by provider.
For most businesses, this is a small cost compared with the value of having trained people on site.
What Employers Gain
It helps to understand the employer’s side, because it makes the conversation easier. Employers gain several things.
- They meet their duty. They can show that they provide adequate and appropriate first aid.
- They protect people. Trained first aiders can reduce the harm from an injury or sudden illness.
- They may reduce lost time. Good first aid can stop a small problem becoming a bigger one.
- They support staff confidence. People feel safer when trained help is nearby.
- They may reassure insurers and clients. A regulated certificate is easy to prove.
How Many First Aiders Does the Employer Need?
This is a useful point to raise with your manager. It depends on the first aid needs assessment. As a starting point for low hazard workplaces, HSE suggests at least one appointed person for fewer than 25 employees, at least one first aider trained in Emergency First Aid at Work for 25 to 50 employees, and at least one first aider trained in First Aid at Work for every 100 employees above that, or part of 100. Higher hazard workplaces need more. Many employers also train an extra person to cover holidays and sickness.
If your workplace has no trained first aider and more than 25 employees, it is worth mentioning that HSE’s suggested minimum is higher than an appointed person alone.
How to Ask Your Employer to Pay
Asking is easier than people expect. Here is a simple approach.
- Check your policy first. Look in your contract, handbook or intranet for training and first aid policies.
- Talk to the right person. This might be your line manager, HR, the health and safety lead or the office manager.
- Explain the reason. For example, there is no trained first aider, the current first aider is leaving or you would like to help.
- Share the facts. Mention the course length, the cost and the benefit to the workplace.
- Offer a plan. Suggest dates, show how your work will be covered and offer to share what you learn.
- Ask for it in writing. Get the approval, fee and paid time confirmed by email.
A sample email
Here is a short email you can adapt.
Subject: Request to attend Emergency First Aid at Work training
Hi [name],
I would like to ask whether the company could fund my attendance on a one day Emergency First Aid at Work course. At the moment we have [no trained first aider or only one trained first aider], and I would be happy to take on the role.
The course is a regulated Level 3 qualification, takes one day and gives a certificate valid for three years. The fee is around [amount], and I can arrange cover for my work on the day. I have found a course in London on [date], and I can send you the details.
Please let me know if you would like to talk about it.
Thanks, [your name]
What If Your Employer Says No?
Sometimes the answer is no, or not yet. Here are sensible next steps.
- Ask why. The reason may be budget, timing or uncertainty about the need. A clear explanation helps you respond.
- Suggest a first aid needs assessment. If the employer has not done one, this is a good way to see what the workplace needs.
- Offer a group booking. A group rate may reduce the cost.
- Ask for a partial contribution. Some employers will pay half or cover the fee but not the time.
- Ask about timing. The answer may be yes in the next budget period.
- Check with Acas or your union. If you are required to be a first aider and asked to pay, they can advise you.
- Pay yourself if you wish. If you want the certificate anyway, you can book the course, but make clear what you are agreeing to.
Be polite and keep a written record of what is agreed.
Do First Aiders Get Extra Pay?
There is no general legal rule that first aiders must receive extra pay. Some employers give a small allowance or other recognition, and some do not. If you are taking on the role, it is reasonable to ask what support the employer will give, such as paid time for training and refreshers, a stocked first aid kit and clear guidance on your duties.
It also helps to know that being a first aider is not usually something an employer can force on you without discussion. If you do not feel ready, talk to your manager.
What About Repayment Agreements?
Some employers ask staff to sign an agreement that says you must repay training costs if you leave soon after. These are sometimes called training repayment agreements. They must be fair and clearly set out in writing. For a low cost one day course, many employers do not use them at all. If you are asked to sign one, read it carefully, ask what happens if you leave and check with Acas or a legal adviser if you are unsure.
Is Employer Paid Training a Taxable Benefit?
In general, training that is needed for your work and paid for by your employer is not treated as a taxable benefit for the employee. Rules can change and depend on the details, so check current HMRC guidance or ask your payroll team.
Self Employed and Freelance People
If you are self employed, you do not have an employer to pay for training. You pay the course fee yourself. There is no legal duty for you to hold a certificate for yourself, but clients and venues often ask for one. Training costs that relate directly to your business may be allowable as a business expense, but the rules depend on your situation, so ask an accountant or check HMRC guidance.
Volunteers and Charities
The law on volunteers is less clear than for employees, but HSE encourages organisations to include volunteers in their first aid planning. If you volunteer for a charity or community group, ask whether the organisation can fund your training. Many do, especially if you will be the first aider at events. Some charities also look for grants or sponsorship to cover training.
Making the Most of Employer Funded Training
If your employer pays, here is how to make the investment count.
- Choose a regulated Level 3 qualification with practical assessment, so the certificate is accepted by insurers and clients.
- Give your employer a copy of your certificate and note the expiry date, three years from the course.
- Tell colleagues who the first aiders are and where the first aid kit is.
- Review your skills and take a short refresher each year.
- Plan your renewal early.
You can review the Emergency First Aid at Work training page to see how one provider presents its price, group rate and booking options, which can help you prepare your request.
Why London Employers Often Choose Training at the Workplace
London has a very large number of training providers and venues, and many offer training at your workplace. For employers, this can mean less travel, less time away from the office and the chance to train several people together. It also helps new first aiders learn in a setting they already know.
Final Thoughts
So, can your employer pay for your emergency first aid course in London? Yes, and in many cases they should. The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 place the duty to provide adequate first aid on the employer, and employers generally should not charge staff for things the law requires them to provide. If you are asked to be a first aider, it is fair to expect the course fee and paid time to attend.
Ask clearly, put it in writing and keep the conversation friendly. When you are ready, take a look at the Emergency First Aid at Work course in London and choose a date that suits you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does my employer have to pay for my first aid course?
If your employer needs you to act as a first aider, it is reasonable to expect them to pay, because providing adequate first aid is their legal duty. If you take the course for your own reasons, they are not required to pay. Check your contract and ask HR.
2. Can my employer make me pay for first aid training?
Section 9 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 says employers must not charge employees for anything provided because of a specific requirement of health and safety law. Whether it applies to your situation can depend on the facts, so check with Acas, your union or a legal adviser.
3. Should first aid training be during work hours?
If the training is needed for your work, it should normally count as work time, and you should be paid as usual. If it is arranged outside your normal hours, ask how your employer will handle pay or time off in lieu.
4. How much does it cost an employer to train a first aider?
The course fee in London is commonly about £65 to £150 per person in 2026, with one provider page listing £89 per person and £75 per person for groups of five or more. Employers should also count staff time and any travel.
5. Do first aiders get paid extra?
There is no general legal rule that first aiders must receive extra pay. Some employers give an allowance or other recognition. Ask what support your employer offers, such as paid training time and a stocked first aid kit.
6. What if my employer refuses to pay?
Ask why, suggest a first aid needs assessment, offer a group booking or ask for a partial contribution. If you are required to be a first aider and asked to pay, speak to Acas or your union. You can also choose to pay yourself, but keep a written record of what is agreed.
7. Can I be asked to repay the cost if I leave?
Some employers use training repayment agreements, but they must be fair and set out in writing. Read any agreement carefully and check with Acas or a legal adviser if you are unsure.
8. Can self employed people claim the course cost?
Training costs that relate directly to your business may be allowable as a business expense, but the rules depend on your situation. Ask an accountant or check HMRC guidance.
9. How many first aiders does my employer need?
It depends on a first aid needs assessment. As a starting point for low hazard workplaces, HSE suggests at least one appointed person for fewer than 25 employees, at least one first aider trained in Emergency First Aid at Work for 25 to 50 employees, and at least one first aider trained in First Aid at Work for every 100 employees above that, or part of 100. Higher hazard workplaces need more.
10. Where can I book an Emergency First Aid at Work course in London?
You can book through a training provider that offers the regulated qualification, either as a public course or as training at your workplace. Check the total price, what is included and the awarding organisation before you book.
