Pregnancy yoga - anyone know if you are entitled to paid leave to attend?

[NobbyD]

Just wondered if anyone knew if pregnancy yoga and relaxation classes were part of your ante natal care entitlement at work?

I've been told by my manager that I'm not allowed to take time off to attend these classes but I was sure it came under ante natal classes which are part of the government legislation that entitles you to paid time off to attend.

This is my first pregnancy and am all confused about what I am and an not allowed to take!

Thanks for any help!

no they arent.

or they weremt when i was at work.

no

you are allowed time off for ante natal appointments - ie with your mw or consultant - not for the classes - yoga or otherwise

All pregnant employees, irrespective of length of service, are entitled to reasonable paid time off work to keep appointments for antenatal care prescribed by a doctor, midwife or health visitor. Antenatal care includes appointments with GPs, hospital clinics and relaxation classes. Wherever possible, appointments should be arranged at the beginning or end of the working day. Evidence of appointments may be requested.

This is what is in my maternity policy so yes, I think you are entitled to taking paid time for yoga classes but may need letter from midwife deeming them necessary.

Here is the government spiel, still a yes!

All pregnant employees, however long they've been in their jobs, are entitled to reasonable time off work for ante-natal care. Any time off must be paid at your normal rate of pay. It is unlawful for your employer to refuse to give you reasonable time off for ante-natal care or to pay you at your normal rate of pay.

Ante-natal care may include relaxation or parent craft classes as well as medical examinations, if these are recommended by your doctor. If you can, try to avoid taking time off work when you can reasonably arrange classes or examinations outside working hours.

I had the same type of language as MMH in my maternity documentation provided by HR. Mananger was quite reasonable about such things anyway, so never needed MW/GP letter or "proof". But, it appears you are entitled, so ask MW/GP to provide letter if you need to go to a class during work hours.

Our maternity policy was along the lines that MMH quoted. And tbh I marched in to see my manager and said that I would be taking the time off to go to yoga .

Thanks everyone. I've re read through all the maternity guidance HR gave me and it agrees with you all that I can have relaxation classes as paid time off.

Got a doctors appointment later so will hopefully get a note from her saying I need to take it - esp as I have a huge history of back problems!

Just a little shocked that my manager acted the way she did!!

Hope it goes well with your manager. I had time off to go to aquanatal, recommended by my physio as I had a bad back, it really helped and I really enjoyed it, even though I don't like swimming - do they do this in your area it might be worth finding out about? Give you more time off!

LittleB - thanks for that. I work for a university and they do aquanatal on campus, so maybe I shall look into that too.