Time off for interview

[Roisin]

Hi!

Is my employer obliged/expected to allow me to attend an interview? I've asked my boss if I can take an afternoon off for 'an appointment' and he hasn't got back to me yet. I have lieu time owed anyway. He has no idea I'm looking for a job. My attendance and punctuality is 100% and I'm a valued employee.

What should I respond if he asks what the appointment is? If I tell him it's for an interview, he will certainly ask me to reconsider and will probably offer me more money. But I don't want more money, I want to attend the interview. Is he within his rights to refuse to allow me the time off?

Ideally I wouldn't tell him at all that it's for an interview..

Thanks

Yes, they can refuse time off given timescales and unless you have been notice that you're being made redundant then there's no right to time off for interviews

I would either take the whole day off, or call in sick.

Calling in sick is fraud. If I were the new employer offering the job after a successful interview I'd be withdrawing the offer, and you'd risk being disciplined by your current employer.

Who would know? I'm not suggesting it should be a regular occurrence, but if you can't get time of...

off...

It would be pretty obvious if she got the job that she'd been interviewed when she claimed to be sick, surely? And it current employer tells future employer that the job offer might be withdrawn.

I doubt current employer could be bothered with the hassle of telling future employer - employers are really guarded when they give references these days (if they're prepared to give one at all). Too wary of being sued for defamation of character or something.

You take a day's leave or a half day if you can get it.

And do not tell your old employer that you are going for another job! It's like showing your opponent your hand of cards. Madness.