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Work

Prolonged time off for appointments

34 replies

TakenAdvantageOf · 19/02/2015 19:30

I just wanted to get a feel as to whether this is unreasonable.

I work 3 days a wk (mon-wed). I receive counselling for post natal depression which I've been attending since June 2014. Started every other wk then up to every wk with a short break for Septenber and then weekly from October and still going. Means I'm in after lunch on a Tuesday. I dont take a lunch when I get in.
My employer gave me the time but Is now saying that if the appointments go on beyond end of March I need to take as annual leave or unpaid leave. They said they've given reasonable time paid to attend as its been almost 9 months. I can't move appointment to a non working day as none available.
Is it fair what employer has said? Not my fault I have depression. Can they do this?

OP posts:

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MadameJulienBaptiste · 19/02/2015 19:33

Can you change the days you work? You're being paid for 3 days and only working 2.5. No idea if they are acting legally but if I couldn't get apps on my days off I'd change my days off.

TakenAdvatageOf · 19/02/2015 19:36

I was asked in last to change days but I can't as NHS appointments mean I'd go back on waiting list if don't take day am given.

VegasIsBest · 19/02/2015 19:36

Can you shift one of your working days instead, or go in an extra morning so you are still working your three days?

It doesn't seem reasonable to miss one morning a week when you only work three days to begin with.

Who is picking up your work at the moment and what's the impact on them?

TakenAdvatageOf · 19/02/2015 19:39

They suggested I move the time to another half day, but I don't have childcare to cover it. Shouldn't they just allow me the paid time as long as I need it?

OllyBJolly · 19/02/2015 19:41

The employers' obligation is to make reasonable adjustments and by allowing this as paid time off they have arguably fulfilled that obligation. It seems quite fair that there should be a limit to that. They are not stopping the time off and therefore not hindering you from attending.

I'd suggest going with what Vegas says and look at shifting your working days around.

HermioneWeasley · 19/02/2015 19:41

No, they are under no obligation to give paid time off for these appointments and have been more than generous - it's the equivalent of a full timer taking nearly a day off a week every week!

holidaysarenice · 19/02/2015 19:44

You are missing the equivalent of nearly a day for a full timer.

How long is your appointment if you don't get there until after lunch so missing 9-1? Or more?

I think your employer is right, it's got a bit ridiculous and unfair on your colleagues. If you offer some flexibility they may pay some of it, eg come in a bit earlier/stay a little later/do some catchup etc

Koalafications · 19/02/2015 19:44

That doesn't sound reasonable, OP. I think they have been generous to allow you 1/2 a day off every week for 9 months!

TakenAdvatageOf · 19/02/2015 19:46

Hermione, that's what my boss said too, don't think she likes me. I told get that I wouldn't have many appointments left. She said that meant it wouldn't be too much annual leave then, if I couldn't adjust my working week! They also made me bring in a letter for current appointments as said appointment card wasn't enough. IF they don't alliw it I'm tempted to just do the minimum from now on and not give anything extra at busy times (even though they give time back for that)

TakenAdvatageOf · 19/02/2015 19:47

I live 10 miles away so appointment is first thing but I normally dont get in office until 11.30/12, but I don't take lunch etc.

NerrSnerr · 19/02/2015 19:49

They have been very reasonable to give you time off for 9 months paid. They've done you a huge favour. Whenever I have had any nhs (non pregnancy) appointment I have had to take annual leave or make up the hours the next day. I think that's standard.

VegasIsBest · 19/02/2015 19:50

Your employer has been very flexible in letting you take off a whole morning for a medical appointment repeatedly. Why are you now planning to do the minimum for your employer? That's hardly fair.

Aridane · 19/02/2015 19:50

I am sorry you still require treatment - but goodness me YABU

MovingOnUpMovingOnOut · 19/02/2015 19:51

You are taking the piss and your attitude is rotten. I'm sorry you have PND but it's not a licence to behave badly.

I think this is a reverse situation. Nobody could genuinely be so lacking in self awareness surely?

NerrSnerr · 19/02/2015 19:53

Moving- I just read the OP out to my husband and said it must be a reverse.

HermioneWeasley · 19/02/2015 19:55

Glad you don't work for me! If I were your boss, I don't think I'd be very impressed either

SoonToBeSix · 19/02/2015 19:55

It's not your employees fault you have depression either. I am very surprised they have been as generous as they have - that is not the norm.

MovingOnUpMovingOnOut · 19/02/2015 19:56

Yeah and the op's name suggests it might be too

LIZS · 19/02/2015 20:06

It isn't unusual for there to be a limit to taking such time off at full pay, could you work the hours in lieu at another time ?

TakenAdvatageOf · 19/02/2015 20:08

My boss suggested coming in early and finishing later but I have children to collect and she knows that. I am also in late because of traffic sometimes, which she's also pulled me up on. I try to be in on time but the 10 mile journey delays me and I can't drop kids off at nursery until 8am at earliest.

Koalafications · 19/02/2015 20:13

10 miles?! Pfft. Get yourself to work on time!

Honestly, OP you sound like the kind of employee who expects flexibility from your employer but will offer little in return and then throw your toys out of the pram when you aren't happy.

I can't work with people who have this type of attitude.

BerylStreep · 19/02/2015 20:16

What everyone else said.

Employer has been more than reasonable facilitating this for 9 months. They have offered flexibility by suggesting you work on other days, but you have turned this down because of childcare. It seems to me that you think all your appointments should be in work time.

I'm shocked at your attitude tbh.

As for saying you will do the bare minimum from now on,

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MovingOnUpMovingOnOut · 19/02/2015 20:20

I don't know why the op is still posting pretending to be the employee

A few minutes before the last post she PM'd me to tell me she wasn't genuine. I reported to MNHQ but I don't feel it's fair to be untruthful on the thread and keep posting more stuff for attention. We're not posting anything constructive and the thread just seems to have been started to goad a response from us.

Koalafications · 19/02/2015 20:21

Oh right...

Great use of your time, OP.

PenguinsandtheTantrumofDoom · 19/02/2015 20:21

I am sorry you have PND. But by god you are ungrateful.

Do you have a partner? Can he/she do some pick ups and drop offs to allow you to make up hours.

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