have to take annual leave for NCT classes?

[Annie456]

Hi all,

My employers have said that I can't take paid time off for NCT classes as they are private classes and I need to take them as annual leave.
I'm trying to argue a case but just wondered what anyone else's experience was? (I could only get on to the intensive 2.5 day course)

Annie

I think most NHS provision is more than 2 hours - I'm doing a three hour course on breastfeeding alone! Which is in working hourse incidentally, but after I've started maternity leave. I don't think it should make a difference whether the classes are private or NHS, you are entitled to time off for parentcraft classes.

And cat64, sometimes there is a medical need to nip out to the swimming pool. Aqua natal here is only available in working hours and was recommended by my physio. Work had no objections and it helped ensure that despite having SPD from early in pregnancy, having very limited mobility and being on crutches I took no time off sick at all, worked fully until I started maternity leave and worked 12 hour days when they needed me to. Sensible employers recognise when you're trying to stay at work and be able to work as effectively as you can and are flexible to accommodate it.

Well, my experience is a few years out of date, but I got 2 hours. Most of my friends got the same.

Annie456, you are right that you are entitled to paid time off to attend antenatal care, including classes -- but you are missing out the bit where the right to time off only applies if the appointment/class is advised by a midwife, health visitor or registered medical practitioner.

BusinessLink has detailed information on this -- but for your employer to be legally obliged to give you the time off, you will essentially need your midwife or GP to provide you with a note saying they advise you attend.

Hi Annie,

Please do fight this. As others have said, you're entitled to time off for parentcraft classes and the law does not distinguish whether they are nhs or private (as far as I know!). My local nhs offered me 4 weekly 2hr classes in the middle of the day which, as I live an hour's commute away from work, would have meant my company would have been forced to let me have about 5 hours off every Monday for a month. As it was we've gone for NCT because they're in the evenings so DH can come with me (he's a teacher so can't book AL).

Whether it is "fair" to take time off for something that is not medically necessary is irrelevant. My company is legally required me to allow me to keep my company car for my full year of ML. I don't think this is particularly "fair" on them but I'd be an idiot not to take advantage of my legal rights.

Good luck!

Thank you urbandaisy. I am waiting for clarification from HR and I will ask my midwife when I next see him. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts.

Oh and on the flexible working thing, everything has been said "off record" but I'm sure its easy for them to justify it when the time comes!

I'm sure it does come down to the discretion of the employer if there's no "doctors note" but my DH has just been told that he can have paid time off to attend the classes with me...if I can't get the time off then of course I'll take it as AL but im going to give it a try given their unwillingness to take me back part time!

And thanks posypom. I x-posted with you there.
I agree with you that while many things seem unfairly balanced in favour of the pregnant employee, if there's a legal right then it would be silly to be a conscientious objector!