Work refusing to let me go to my antenatal class

[FabLaura]

I am 30 weeks pregnant and work for a very well known British high street chain. The support I have received throughout my pregnancy at work has been inconsistent. Today the store manager refused my time off to attend an antenatal appointment. Luckily my direct manager knew it was a legal right and has overridden her but I'm angry. Why is this hard work?
I was previously told I had to buy my maternity uniform; which again is clearly wrong. After a lengthy discussion over days, they agreed to put it through without me having to pay for it
Argh!!!!!

Your manager needs to be told to read the policy and familiarise herself of the legalities. Have you had a risk assessment carried out. Do you have an occupational health department.

Class or appointment? I wouldn't expect time off to do an NCT course but I would for a midwife appointment.

You are entitled to paid time off for classes if they have been recommended to you, look up the gov.uk website.

There is an organisation called pregnant and screwed it might be worth checking their website or giving them a call to ask what you are entitled to.

As above, if it’s a class then you’re only entitled to time off if it’s been specifically recommended by a HCP. Antenatal appointment they need to give you time off.

They are totally in the wrong. Please print out this and show them. You can even go to classes if you need or want to. www.gov.uk/working-when-pregnant-your-rights

@Wolfiefan your entitled to paid time off for both appointments and classes. Most classes arent out of normal working hours. (Round my way anyway) so little choice but to go during work

@captainshortie - you’re only entitled to time off for classes if recommended specifically by a midwife or doctor - you can’t just decide you want to go to aquanatal or something on a Friday lunchtime and bin work!