Can I take my unpaid lunch hour before an antenatal appointment?

[Asianchick6693]

I know my antenatal appointment is paid but if I don't take my lunch I will go more than potentially 6 hours without eating. Am I okay to take my lunch just before I leave for the appointment. I won't even take the full hour but I have to leave 45-50minutes into my lunch to start making my way. I will also return to work ASAP. I couldn't get an appointment early in the morning or late afternoon.

@Asianchick6693 they re supposed to allow time for travel for appointments and it's reasonable to ask to take your lunch break before hand

I should mention I work 9-5:30 and also get a paid 30 minute break around half 3. But taking the lunch is more important for me as my MS kicks in otherwise

That’s reasonable - you’re allowed time off for antenatal appointments, you don’t have to sacrifice your lunch to make time for them.

Yes - you need to eat- are your employers questioning it. I always had appointments in the morning so always stopped and had lunch break on way back to office.

Your right to a lunch break and your right for time off for antenatal appointments are independent.

I had one hospital appointment where I only made it into work at 11.30ish - the appointment was at 9 but the train I was planning on getting from the hospital to work was cancelled so the trip back to the office took longer. I still took my lunch break as usual and work was fine I explained the issue with the train to my line manager he was understanding as the trains were a reoccurring issue for everyone in the office!

Has your employer said that you can't do this?
It seems so obvious that of course you will, surely they haven't disagreed.

I simply just took it without asking! It only dawned upon me on my way to the appointment if I had made a mistake or got myself into trouble, my boss didn't mention anything but previously I took annual leave twice for my appointments as in the early weeks they hadn't made me aware that I'm entitled to paid time for these appointments and usually at my work place any medical appointments you have, you have to use your annual leave for. Which is why I was wondering if I am entitled to this unpaid hour of break if I'm away at an appointment and I don't know how long it'll last. I'm sure they will understand once I go back in and tell them. Thanks ladies

If it was me I wouldn't even ask - if it isn't raised I would just go. I never asked my employers.