Is this classed as an antenatal appointment?

[Chloe55]

Please can someone clarify something for me. I have had bad sciatica with this pregnancy and have been referred to a physiotherapist by my midwife. I have been booked in to see him on an afternoon which co-incides with work. After telling my boss he has told me to work through my lunches this week to make up for the time I will be at the appt. Is this legal? Is this appointment classed as antenatal so he therefore HAS to allow me the time off?

I am bloody furious because if he carries on being an arse I will just take sick instead

i think, from what i recall, you are entitled to paid time off for it. I had physio appts when i was pg so i think i looked into it then. You could try checking out the DTI website and see what it says there.

what a t*** your boss sounds sorry

I know!!! Thank God I finish for maternity in 4 weeks time!!

I think it partly depends on how many hours you work and what kind of contract you are on.

Chloe55 - I've posted on the antenatal thread for you - this counts as antenatal care - so you are legally entitled to attend in works time - boss is a tosser!

Thanks guys, just trying to find some physical evidence on paper now that this is classed as antenatal, can't really say 'well they said on Mumsnet it is'

Chloe55 go to this site and download the maternity rights guide for employers and employees, and show him P14 onwards

Thanks, that says it all perfectly - have printed.

Time off for antenatal care does not depend on the amount of hours you work at all.
I think if your appointment is related to your pregnancy then you should have paid time off. DO you have a HR department, if so check with them, dont go by the word of your manager.

By the way, i have had weekly appointments from 12-20 weeks during this pregnancy, and they have been on full pay (and I only work 21 hours per week)