Manager refusing time off work for appointment

[user78754567]

I have an hospital appointment next Friday and asked my manager if I can take a day holiday or unpaid to attended the appointment and he refused. He told me he can’t give me a whole day off for the appointment only half a day. The hospital is a 6 hour round trip so no chance of me been able to work. Aibu to take a sick day?

Does it make a difference? All of those appointments are important, and I would hope anyone would prioritise them over work.

Legally it makes a difference. If you have a diagnosis of cancer, you’re entitled to time off as a reasonable adjustment. If it’s suspected or diagnostic, you’re not and the employer can legally say no.

Having said that, I am genuinely shocked that an employer would refuse time off in these circumstances.

Did you explain the timings to your boss? Also the likely possibility of the schedule running behind and you not returning exactly as expected? Does he just not understand the situation? Because if he actually does, he just told an employee she can’t attend medical appointment for cancer.

If this conversation was verbal, you should write down as many of the details as possible. The exact day and time. Names of anyone who might have heard the conversation. It would be much better if you could get him to confirm all of this in writing. It will come in handy for the wrongful dismissal case if you get fired for calling in sick.