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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Ante-Natal Appointments

44 replies

mum2b072011 · 09/02/2011 10:38

Hi All,

I am looking for a little bit of advice, my work has started to get difficult with my ante-natal appointments.

Work have told me I have to use my annual holiday for my appointments but I only need to book half a day?s holiday - also, I must make up an extra hour and half for each appointment outside of my normal working hours.

I am currently 17wks 5days and have been told that I am 'High Risk' so need to see a consultant throughout my pregnancy.

It wouldn?t be a problem if I worked local as I could easily go to an appointment and return to work after, however I work in London and have a daily 2hr commute each way I am trying to get the latest possible appointments however my Midwife only works at my surgery one day per week between the hours of 1 ? 2.30pm with a 2hr journey it means I will have to leave work at 11 to get there in time, not good when I start at 9am!!

Another lady in my office is also expecting however because her journey in only takes an hour, she can get early appointments so is not having the same problem as me.

Am I being ungrateful at what they are offering me?

I am having to use all my holiday for appointments and I am not sure if this is fair!

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

lolajane2009 · 09/02/2011 18:30

www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Moneyandworkentitlements/WorkAndFamilies/Pregnancyandmaternityrights/DG_10026556

government site. there is also a booklet in the first bounty pack called maternity paternity

greenzebra · 09/02/2011 18:42

I feel for you. It is against the law for them to not give you paid leave for appointments. They can request to have evidence of your appoinmtns but thats all they can do.

I have had my fair share of crap from my work too, my job is an outside job that requires heavy lifting and machinery use, so when I found out I was pregnant at four weeks I had to tell work straight away. I was so dissapointed when my boss sent me out on normal duties! So I went back in and told him I wasnt happy so he made me take three days leave to sort stuff out. During these three days I researched and found out that he shouldnt have done that, he should have given me paid leave untill they sorted it out. I also found out that work legally has to provide you with a rest room, to rest during the day. They also have to do a risk assesment to see if your work will put you or your baby at risk, and this is also the case if you go back to work after the baby is born and you are still breast feeding. And if that does happen they have to provide you with a fridge for your breast milk if you are going to breast pump at work.

I suggest if you havnt done it already, to look up as much as possible on the net, and go in with all your rights sorted out in your head.

Oh another thing, they can only make you start maternity leave four weeks before your pregnant and thats only if you have a pregnancy related illness. So dont let them try and make you take it early if you dont want to, even if the doctor signs you off they cant make you. I had to fight this this week.

Just stand your ground, and make sure they know that your baby is your priority and you are not making it awkward for them, they employed a women of child bearing age they should have researched all this them selves, instead they have made themselves look like fools!

TitaniaP · 09/02/2011 19:46

As has been previously stated they are completely in the wrong.

Have a look at these govenment leaflets - one for the employer and one for the employee

Employee

Employer

Also they are in danger of breaching sex discrimination laws. Print off the above leaflets too and give them hell!!

Original poster

mum2b072011 · 10/02/2011 10:57

Wish me luck ladies!

I have emailed HR asking for a meeting today, just waiting for a response.

I have my Green booklet / bosses emails / Appointment cards and holiday form to hand so just waiting now.

I'm am 98% sure that they will not change anything but hey at least i can try ... one thing i will say is that i definitely will not be coming back after maternity leave!!!!

Thank you again everyone - i will keep you posted x

OP posts:

Cyclebump · 10/02/2011 11:05

They HAVE to change it, it's the law. They are failing you as an employee. That said I know how guilty they can make you feel.

Good luck!

Original poster

mum2b072011 · 10/02/2011 14:21

OK so I have just been to see HR and have been told the following,

He is there to support myself to ensure that they are not denying me of my appointments as the health of myself and my unborn child is paramount

He understands that I am unable to change my appointments which are around midday ? he said ?no faults of yourself or the company however these appointments will cause the company disruption to business therefore we have to meet in the middle? and by offering me to take Annual Leave this would be the best way to solve the matter.

He said that they have a duty to ensure that I go to these appointments therefore they have to use a mediation resolution by allowing me to attend all appointments without causing the company the most inconvenience. I only have to book half a day holiday per appointment however I am allowed the full day off ? he even said ?personally he would prefer that?!!!!

With reference to me having to make up the hour on top of taking this holiday, he is going to flag up with my line manager the next time he bumps into them!!

He suggested that instead of me saving up 10 days of my holiday (which I am planning to use prior to going on maternity leave) I should use them now and go on maternity leave earlier so it feels like I have more breaks - as a company they need to ensure that I use this holiday before June because the company will not pay for any un-used holiday!

Oh well ?. I tried, and the outcome was what I expected.

Thanks for everyone?s advice 

Good Luck with the rest of your pregnancies ? x

OP posts:

ecuse · 10/02/2011 14:44

but...but..but... this is just WRONG and illegal. I can't believe an HR officer would say this to you. You do NOT have to 'meet in the middle' - they have to give you what they are legally required to do. However I have no idea how you would practically go about challenging this?? Did you show him the government guidance? Did he respond? I'm really shocked.

Original poster

mum2b072011 · 10/02/2011 14:51

Yeh i said about Government Guidance and he said yes as a company they are following this as they are not denying me my appointments - however offering my an alternative which will prevent as much disruption to the business as possible!!!!

He kept saying - I need to understand he is there for the company as well as myself so if meeting in the middle is the only way then i have to appreciate that!!!!!!!!!

OP posts:

Cyclebump · 10/02/2011 15:24

Ok. You need to go onto the Employment issues section of the forum and get one of the real HR bods on there to give you some advice. You also need to give the Citizen's Advice Bureau a ring.

Cyclebump · 10/02/2011 15:26

You also need to have a stern word with your clinic. I had to throw an enormous wobbler to get early/late appointments but it worked. I think the point at which they cracked was when I nearly cried saying work were being horrible about it.

Cyclebump · 10/02/2011 15:28

Aaargh, it's splitting my posts!

Also, see if you can have your midwife appointments elsewhere. I can have mine at the inconvenient local clinic OR at the local hospital, which does all day appointments.

LoopyLoopsPoopaScoop · 10/02/2011 15:30

NO NO NO you must not accept this. It is illegal, and you are just allowing it to happen. Do not let them do this to you.

Call ACAS today.

Mirabelle77 · 10/02/2011 15:46

Please don't accept this. In my job I never had 2 days off together and when I found out my app days my boss would then make that my day off, so she never had to actually pay me for my absence or pay a member of staff overtime. This left me one day rest per week. Also once I worked 8 days in a row 8-6 so long days, I ended up with a headache for 2 weeks and having to go to hospital with exhaustion to be monitored. It's not worth it your baby is so much more important, please don't let them get away with it, it makes me so angry for you. After my maternity leave I will not be going back either but that is not the point here. Please look after yourself and don't end up like I did.

Original poster

mum2b072011 · 10/02/2011 16:51

Cyclebump / Loopyloopspoopascoop - I have spoken to Hubby and he said he is going to contact Citizens Advice as he doesnt want me stressing anymore than i am already. We have midwife appoitment next week so I will speak to her about it and see what she can do about seeing me elsewhere.

Mirabelle77 - If need be, who knows after a word with MW next week, a stress sign off might be on the cards.

It really isnt worth me raising it with work anymore (i know they cant legally) but they will make my life difficult and i dont want more stress.

Why oh why did i leave my old work - they were soooo understanding about things like this ...

OP posts:

Cyclebump · 10/02/2011 17:03

This is not your fault so try not to let it ruin what should be an exciting time.

Hurray for your other half, he sounds very sensible.

Talk to the midwife to clarify whether you could be seen elsewhere where appointments are more flexible, if only because that way you're doing something constructive and you can say to your work that you have done everything you possibly can.

My work were nowhere near as horrible but I did my research, stood my ground and am now a happy 32 weeks pg and quite happy to tell them where to go if I get messed around.

greenzebra · 10/02/2011 17:33

I cant beleive all this its disgusting!!!

I would say name and shame them but dont want you in court for slander.

Please dont take any crap from them, Im sure your not now you know a little bit about your rights.

If they still dont want to play ball, go to the doctors and get signed off through stressful pregnancy, work cant touch you. And only get signed back on 4 weeks before your EWC thats the only time they can make you take (work) maternity leave. Work can not force you to take it early.

Mine tried to last week, but I wasnt having any of it.

Keep us posted on what happens.

mandy1978 · 10/02/2011 17:46

cannot believe your boss actually put that in writing, definitely keep printed copies of what he has written.. it is illegal and you are well within your rights to take time off for appts.

i only work pt mornings (well before mat leave) and the only appts that were run wee in the mornings. that meant i started at 0830 left at 10 and then didnt return until the next day.

i have a little boy so couldnt get child care but kept apptd s to a minimum. also volunteered to work late to do handover wen i could get childcare to be fair to them also.

but they didnt query a thing, and nor should they!!!

xxx

breatheslowly · 10/02/2011 17:56

Just remember that you are not just doing this for yourself but any pregnant women who work for your company in the future.

jenga079 · 10/02/2011 18:54

This sucks! I'm sorry you're having such a hard time of it and very glad you have such a sensible hubby!

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