Hospital Appointment

[aka pixi]

If you have an hospital appointment in working hours does the company have to give you time off? I have been told by a few people that its law the company must give you time off without you having to book an holiday yet I've been told by others that it isnt law and its down to each individual company on whether they allow time off.

Thanks :)

[gina32]

i think its up to each individual company, i used to work somewhere that gave you 3 lts of 2hour slots a year and not class it as holiday or time off to go to the dentist, hospital or docs. have a look in your contract it should say it in there

[daffy654]

I don't think employers have to give time off for hospital appointments unless they are pregnancy related appointments. Some employers take the time out of holiday entitlement,others require you to make up the time at some later point,others dock pay for the time you are away from your job.I know of one person who was sacked from her job for attending a long awaited hospital appointment when her employer refused her permission to attend,when she said she had to go as she would not get another appointment they sacked her on the spot.

[laurence2]

You must endeavour to make an appointment in your own time first and foremost.

If this is not possible,

1} Make a new appointment for when you are free from work.

2} Take a leave day if you wish.

3} Your job should honour your hospital appointment without you being penalized ie loss of pay or using a leave day. you might have to proof that this is the only day available for your appointment to your employer.


Thats my take on it anyway

[laurence2]

daffy.

I believe your friend was unfairly dismissed basing this on what you posted

[gina32]

as i said each employer is different so check the contract

[laurence2]

gina.

I would disagree somewhat there.

Yes employers are different in granting paid leave etc for appointments, but some appointments are unavoidable ie pregnancy/scans for example, you should'nt be disciplined or financially penalised for this

[gina32]

an employer MUST give you time off, paid, for each individual ante natal appointment, but they can insist that you have proof

[aka pixi]

thanks everyone.

daffy that is really bad :(

I agree with you to a point there laurence, but the appointment was sent through the post and just happened to be when Im working. Its something important that needs sorting out straight away and Im not wanting to put it off any longer. I have ended up booking a days holiday for the appointment. We do have leave of absence that you dont get paid for which I thought covered appointments but the manager said for me to book a holiday. I wouldnt mind if I took the mickey and asked for leave of absence a lot but in the 4 years I have worked there this is the first time I have been in this situation :(

[spaced]

unfortunately gina is correct.

[gina32]

why unfortunetly???

[spaced]

because it is unfortunate that you of all people can can get something right for once

[gina32]

for goodness sake dont be so pathetic

[spaced]

my thoughts exactly when you stupidly answered one of my questions, and thought you would judge me and be jeered on by your sad peers on here.