Employer not allowing time off for medical appointments. What's the gen?

dark_lady

The womens mag didnt think so. They printed the letter.
And thankyou for reminding me why i have now started posting on another forum more than this one. I now only dip back into MSE occasionally. If i ever need another reminder of the reason why i have all but left this site,a little trip back into Discuusion Time should suffice.

claire16c

Some employers really shock me after reading posts like this on here. Where I used to work, we could come in late or go home early for a docs appt, no questions asked. It worked both ways though - we would come in early and work late on other occasions that were important for the business. And so everyone was happy. It seems to me that employers who are so uncaring about their employees will not get the most out of them.

The only time I ever used holiday for one, was because I was getting jabs for travelling, and the appt was in the middle of the day, and I was working in London but took me about an hour and half to go home, so there was no point going to work, and because the appt was for something that was optional because I was choosing to leave the company and go away!

Even if its legal for the employer to not pay the OPs friend or make them use holiday, it seems pretty bad they are asking why she is going to the drs and suggesting she go elsewhere!!

Fluffi

Basically there is no entitlement to time off - paid or unpaid for appointments if you can't take them outside of working hours then yes as many have said your employers can make you take annual leave.

On the subject of contraception - most local health authorities have family planning clinics (this is probably what the manager meant when she said GUM clinic as they tend to be related), which do have a doctor on duty and can prescribe the pill, injection and just about every type of contraception imaginable. In my area they are open at least 1 evening (until 8pm) a week and Saturday mornings - I used them myself for a long time when my GP didn't offer a Saturday clinic for regular contraceptives (injection) because I didn't get home from work until 6:30 which was after my GPs last weekday appointment time, so strictly speaking this girls manager is probably right about this girl technically not needing to visit her doctor. I think most area's have family planning clinics that open late and at least one weekend day ... still doesn't help if you need to see a doctor about a non-contraceptive issue (like a minor injury for example)

Emmzi

dark_lady wrote: »

So you have a right to be pregnant but no right not to be!

um not really... I know at least a month out if I need a prescription renewed... I book an evening appointment.. when there are no evening appointments I go to the drop in clinic. I employ a dozen women of child bearing age (plus some others + men etc) and don't have 20 appointments a year asked for.. most people manage their time and make sure they have a sympathetic doctor.

Then when they have ill kids/ parents/ leaking boiler we come and go a bit. It all works if people are sensible and have some give and take.

hcb42

dark_lady wrote: »

Managers may have brains but in my experience are completely devoid of common sense.

Bit of a sweeping generalisation that one.

Made me laugh

Savvy_Sue

It is always worth seeing if there is anything in the contract / statement of terms and conditions of employment. If there isn't, worth finding out what 'custom and practice' is across the company. But if it's "book a half day" rather than 'make time up' then it's "book a half day".

LindaJane47

yes, it will be in your contract or employee handbook. I recently had to go to the breast clinic for alump to be investigated. I was told it woul dtake all morning (and it did) and I had to take time off unpaid. My company did offer for me to make up the time, but I agreed to take it unpaid. I know they are pretty snotty about drs and dentists appointments though..... own time or book holiday.

tomjonesrules

LindaJane47 wrote: »

yes, it will be in your contract or employee handbook. I recently had to go to the breast clinic for alump to be investigated. I was told it woul dtake all morning (and it did) and I had to take time off unpaid. My company did offer for me to make up the time, but I agreed to take it unpaid. I know they are pretty snotty about drs and dentists appointments though..... own time or book holiday.

Given that the OP asked the question in September, I would hope they've got it sorted by now!

LadyMissA

Russe11 wrote: »

bad employers... allow no time off.

good employers... upto 3 hours per appointment.

excellent employers... total flexability when it comes to the wellbeing and health of their staff.

Even worse ones make some people make up the time and some not

cr1mson

On a practical level family planning clinics usually operate evening clinics. Also as specialists tend to have better knowledge and access to more options.

C