Can employer make OH take holiday / sick leave for ante-natal appointments?

ifiwerearichman123

Thank you all. No Union. She works for a small company which may be part of it. As a result the boss is also responsible for HR. She has worked there for over 10 years. Seems like the situation is pretty clear cut. Advice received elsewhere suggested having the GP write a letter clarifying that appointments are on medical advice etc and sharing that with her work. Do you think that would be overkill or sensible?

peachyprice

As it's a statutory right there is no need for an extra letter from the doctor (that you may have to pay for), a copy of the initial appointment letter/appointment card will suffice, her employer cannot demand anything more.

onlyroz

In my last pregnancy I was having fortnightly ultrasound scans because there was a risk of my daughter developing rhesus disease (due to my anti-D sensitisation - it turned out she was fine but they wanted to be extra careful). There was never any question that any time I needed to take off wouldn't be paid.

sweetilemon

I think it says somewhere it's 10 appointments and it's reasonable time and travel time. I was asked to come straight back after my scan, I asked if I could take unpaid for the afternoon (incase it was bad news). I think they can ask you to try to arrange some appointments outwith working time if possible but you are definitely entitaled to paid leave. If HR are not listening or a letter to the manager doesn't work, certainly contact ACAS for advice. Don't take no for an answer.

Tigsteroonie

sweetilemon wrote: »

I think it says somewhere it's 10 appointments and it's reasonable time and travel time.

I don't think you should respond with an exact figure and then not give a source, especially as the gov.uk information doesn't specify a limit.

Where have you read that it's 10 appointments?

Darksparkle

For a first baby women can expect around 10 appointments but nothing says that's all you are allowed (as per ACAS site)

I've had 5 appointments so far:

1 x gp
1 x nurse (jabs/vaccinations)
2 x midwife/scan
1 x antenatal

I have 5 more currently booked:
1 x midwife/scan
3 x antenatal
1 x breastfeeding workshop.

Unless I have baby early, there will be more as I've to have scans every 2 weeks.

BNT

Tigsteroonie wrote: »

I don't think you should respond with an exact figure and then not give a source, especially as the gov.uk information doesn't specify a limit.

Where have you read that it's 10 appointments?

You are correct. There is no statutory limit. The ACAS website states:

"For a first baby women can expect to have up to 10 antenatal appointments. If an employee has previously had a baby then they may have about 7 antenatal appointments.

All pregnancies are different, some women may need more antenatal visits."

This is simply for guidance. The part I have put in bold is important, as it makes clear that each person/pregnancy should be treated as an individual case, depending on the medical guidance she receives.