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Original poster

Cannot get time off work for councelling. Advise needed.

21 replies

JennyC80 · 27/12/2013 10:49

Hello,

I'm currently on maternity leave but going back to work at the beginning of January. I've been diagnosed with postnatal depression and taking antidepressants. Also I've been referred for councelling. Problem is my counselling sessions are held on Wednesdays and I'm working Monday to Friday. I've asked my manager if I can work from home on a Wednesdays (it is doable) but she said I have to apply for flexible working! I'm not sure if this is the right thing to do... Or shall I just quit counselling although I feel it can make a big difference to the way I feel... Please advise! Thank you! X

OP posts:
IndigoBarbie · 27/12/2013 11:07

Do you think you'll be fit for work in January?
You are the most important person and I don't think you should sacrifice your counselling-but I understand why you might not wish to disclose any details to your employer.

volvocowgirl · 27/12/2013 11:19

Ask your GP for a fit note which says you are only fit for work if you are allowed to attend your counselling sessions?

Original poster
JennyC80 · 27/12/2013 11:26

Thanks! Will speak to my GP. I did think it was a bit unfair. I'm going back to work and my maternity cover will still be there as I only took 5 month off so company will not suffer. I did offer to take that sessions as my lunch hour and I didn't ask for day off. I though it was a win win situation but, obviously, my manager doesn't see it that way... Hope GP will be able to write something. This situation is adding more stress... X

OP posts:
Original poster
JennyC80 · 27/12/2013 11:30

And I do want to go back. Also for money situation. My partner is going on additional paternity and I'm back to work full time. We've been told we will be made redundant at some point this year and I've been told 'they'll understand if I want to leave on my terms and find another job now'. Smart. Just hope it's not their way of pushing me out... Xxx

OP posts:
Snog · 27/12/2013 11:35

Can you get evening or weekend counselling instead? Lots of counsellors offer this ime

17leftfeet · 27/12/2013 11:39

Are you entitled to time off for medical appointments? Check your handbook

These would come under paid time off for medical appointments where I worked

Original poster
JennyC80 · 27/12/2013 11:53

There's no evening slots I'm afraid :( also Wednesdays only.
Employees handbooks only says that appointments need to be made outside working hours wherever possible. X

OP posts:
Lonecatwithkitten · 27/12/2013 12:19

Firstly your boss hasn't said no she has correctly asked you to put in a formal request for flexible working to work from home on a Wednesday. I would see it as making sure that you being able to work from home is seen in the correct light as a formal arrangement and is protected.
By doing if approved you could continue to work from home on a Wednesday once your husband goes back to work.

Original poster
JennyC80 · 27/12/2013 12:24

Thank you!
From how she sounded she isn't too keen on the idea. I did mention it would only be a short term arrangement as I do prefer working in the office. She said she cannot commit to that at the moment and will have to email hr. Well I hope we can agree on something... X

OP posts:
trinity0097 · 27/12/2013 16:30

I don't understand why you need to work from home? You need to tell them that you have a medical appointment that cannot be made at another time, but do try your best to get it at the start or end of the day rather than slap bang in the middle.

Original poster
JennyC80 · 27/12/2013 20:16

Oh I don't have to work from home but it would be heaps better for the company as I won't have to travel to the appointments. I'll try to arrange sessions as late in the day as possible thou...

OP posts:
oopsadaisyme · 27/12/2013 20:35

Jenny Sorry, only browsed through so if I'm repeating anything I'm very sorry -

Your employer is legally obliged to give you time off to attend counselling sessions, I know for a fact -

Please repost this in the legal section, I'm sure someone far more in the know than I am will give you far more constructive advice on how to go about this -

Lots of love to you, and best of luck x

FalalalalalalaFiggy · 27/12/2013 20:41

Sorry to disagree with above poster but there is no legal right to time off for such appointments I work in HR and never seen such a thing. Best practice yes legal right no.

I would also dispute them asking u to put in flex working request for this purpose the right to request flex working is not designed for this but to support you giving child Care.

Look at your employee handbook as to rules for time off for medical appointments do u have hr you can escalate this to?

oopsadaisyme · 27/12/2013 20:46

Jenny depression is a medical condition, and employers are legally obliged to let you obtain counselling, help and support at anytime you are able without it having an impact on your employment status -

Prior notice of your appointments to them obviously, but in no way should they be stopping you from obtaining support, whether it be in working hours or not -

Snog · 28/12/2013 09:08

can you not find a different counsellor who offers evenung or weekend appointments? Lots do.

LIZS · 28/12/2013 09:11

Can you make it for first or last thing in the day so that you can still spend 6+ hours at work ?

LucyLasticKnickers · 28/12/2013 09:20

if the day off issue, workign from home suggestion, is not working. then just go in, and then leave for your appointment.
dont worry about it.
if you need the counselling, you need it. how would you feel if it was a physio appointment

Original poster
JennyC80 · 28/12/2013 18:57

Thank you all! I'll speak to hr and citizens advise if I have to. Unfortunately, I can't find other counsellor- this is nhs referral and I'm in no position financially to pay for a private one. But great ideas here. I'll ask my GP for a fit note or at least some confirmation that this treatment is needed. I also hope I'll manage to get this as late in the day as possible and maybe work through lunch and leave early? Thanks again! X

OP posts:
FlowerytaleofNewYork · 30/12/2013 00:05

"Jenny depression is a medical condition, and employers are legally obliged to let you obtain counselling, help and support at anytime you are able without it having an impact on your employment status"

Where do you get that from? That's simply not the case at all, it's nowhere near that straightforward. If the condition is a disability it's a bit closer to that under required reasonable adjustments. But there's no specific legal requirement to give time off for appointments relating to a medical condition.

OP your manager is wrong to mention a flexible working request. Flexible working requests are requests for permanent changes to working arrangements for the purpose of caring for children. Temporary flexibility for medical appointments don't come under that at all.

A note from your doctor combined with making every effort to find a solution that works for both you and your employer is by far the best way forward. Once your doctor has confirmed that you need to attend, sit down with your manager and say you would like to ensure disruption is minimal and would like their views on what would work best. Eg if the concern is you working at home, would coming in late/leaving early be best.

DoYouLikeMyBaubles · 30/12/2013 00:07

You are allowed time off for maternity related illness, this is the law. Hope you feel better soon OP x

HermioneWeasley · 30/12/2013 21:22

Baubles, PND is not protected by the gender discrimination laws because there is a male comparator.

Her PND might be a disability and time off for counselling might be a reasonable adjustment.

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