Time off for appts - making up the hours.

[WhatsTheWordHummingbird]

Had to leave two hours early friday to do my Booking In Appt. I work shifts, and noticed today that an hour has been added on to two of my other shifts this week - presumably to "make up" the time.

I assumed I would get leave for maternity matters?

As it is, the Ante Natal clinic is run on a day when 99 percent of the time I have off anyways, so overall I will not need to go off at the end of my shift early or expect paid leave - I can and will fit it into my off days. However this particular appt was the only avaliable slot within a weeks period and at ten weeks I really needed my booking in (usually done at eight weeks my way).

Am I right in thinking I shouldnt have to work the time back?

If it helps, noone eas needed to come in and cover for me as the shift after me were already starting as I was leaving anyways.

You should just be a le to have the time off op. that's what I've always understood anyway

You're entitled to paid time off for antenatal care OP: www.gov.uk/working-when-pregnant-your-rights

I did think that and was surprised when I saw the amendments. Im going to ask why she has added the time on.

So will the extra hours be counted as overtime?

OP you are entitled to time off for ante natal appointments. Did you make it clear why you were not going to be at work? Maybe it's just a clerical error if they thought it was just a random appointment for something else?

You are entilted to the time off (paid I believe) for appointments, acas is a really good website for info and you can just call them to for advice

No no boss knew the exact reason. I wonder if its to do with the appt. time? Appointment 2.30-3.30. 30min commute, shift finished at 4. Wonder if she is only counting the exact appt time?

I work in HR. You are entitled to paid time off. You need to tell your manager this and specifically state you will not be working these extra hours. Bit rude for her to just add it on anyway, surely she should consult with you first?

I know. Im not happy.

If someone had to be drafted in to cover me and I was simply covering them back, if she had said, I could have spoken with her about it, but I literally checked the rota for tomorrow whilst in tonight and its been changed.

Don't work it. If they try to discipline you for not working it or whatever then explain to them that you taking paid time off for maternity leave which is a protected act. By making you work overtime, they are in breach of the Equality Act because they are putting you at a detriment.

www.equalityhumanrights.com/advice-and-guidance/before-the-equality-act/guidance-for-employers-pre-october-10/guidance-on-managing-new-and-expectant-parents/managing-pregnant-women/time-off-for-ante-natal-care/

it does state here that "...An employee must not suffer a disadvantage for a reason connected to taking time off for antenatal care..."

I suggest you quickly check your employment contract and handbook, but the law is the law.

Perhaps throw in that you are finding work tough enough without overtime? thats what I would argue (I am 11 weeks pregnant myself).

good luck! any issues PM me.

What I have always wondered is the commuting time to appointments especially if you have a considerable distance to cover (like I do in London). So for an appointment say at 4pm I probably have think about leaving by 2.30-3pm at the very latest. Should I be entitled to paid time off for the journeys too??

Ooh many thanks sometimesbrunette. Your link covered my question also. :-)

Ive messaged her this morning to see what the additional hours are for (asked if there was a reason for the sudden change in shifts), however I have had no reply

Will see if she is in when I get there.

You do not have to make hours up and should get paid for all antenatal or midwife appts. Inform your employer and dot work those extra hours on your shift, as if you do
It once how can you say no next time?!

I'm pretty certain that you get time to commute to and from an appointment too - just can't find it right now on the internet.

Maybe Sometimesbrunette knows more.

She already has Iona

"...An employee must not suffer a disadvantage for a reason connected to taking time off for antenatal care..."

Hope she replies well, trying to pull a stunt like that!

Right, I came in and spoke to HR, and they agreed. I then spoke to my Boss who said "oh I didnt realise" bolleaux and "ok so jusy change your schedule".

She then said "when are you going to tell people? I just dont know what to tell people when you take time off"....erm, what, the once? And after a MMC ay eleven and half weeks last time round Ill tell people when im good and ready.

She's not allowed to ask you when you're going to tell people. That's your business. You only have to tell your boss and HR when you're intending to go on maternity leave.

Legally you dont even have to tell your boss until 25 weeks. I would keep an ear out to make sure she hasnt told anyone and report her to HR if she has as that is a massive breach of confidence!! xx

She knows. There is another colleague in the dept. Who is pg and I was working for her when I had my last LO.

Tbh she has history as being a shit boss. I cannot bear working for her, however the team I work within make her bearable.

My HR have been amazing, and have emailed her today about doing a Risk Assessment and will speak to her about the shift pattern (regularly finish at 11pm and re start at 7.30am - our industry is exempt from the working time directive).