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Original poster

Time off for child’s health appointment

19 replies

Doggotired · 05/08/2021 13:28

Hi,
Does anyone know if employers can refuse you annual leave or flexi time to take your child to a hospital appointment??
It’s one that we have been waiting for for a year and I want to use my owed flexi time to go and they have refused. There is only me so if I can’t take her she can’t go and she will go back to the bottom of the waiting list as I have already declined one appointment due not being allowed the time off.
I just want to know where I stand before I make a fuss!
It’s one afternoon I need but we are very short staffed and very busy!
Thank you

OP posts:
ISaidDontLickTheBin · 05/08/2021 13:43

TBH I'm not sure (but wanted to give the thread a bump) - I don't think they have any obligation to pay you for taking time off for dependents.

Have you tried offering to take it as unpaid leave? Not ideal I know especially as you are owed flexi time (weird that they let you have flexi if they don't let you spend it!)

I'd be tempted to pull a sickie...

Cocomade · 05/08/2021 13:46

They can refuse days off yes.

It's being short staffed that's done you over.

Have you even asked for just the afternoon?

Anyone able to swap a shift with you?

ChicChaos · 05/08/2021 13:49

Employers can refuse holiday requests within a set timeframe, and should let you know when you can take the holiday instead (I realise the last bit doesn't help you at all though).

Is it an industry with minimum staffing requirements? Have you asked to take it unpaid?

Ylvamoon · 05/08/2021 13:54

You are allowed time off for dependents as unpaid. They can refuse the holiday / paid request.

Not sure about your flexi time, that would depend on your contract.

Original poster
Doggotired · 05/08/2021 14:07

I work for the local council and although they only allow 2 staff off at the same time it’s not a actual requirement but as everyone has all their leave booked their is no availibility for me to have any time off.
I have only asked the afternoon and I will happily take it unpaid but I just wanted to know my rights before I got into anything with them.
They are truly awful with flexi time…. You are expected to work over all the time in the promise that you can claim it back as flexi but then any flexi you request gets denied!

OP posts:
underneaththeash · 05/08/2021 15:22

You can’t take dependent leave / it’s only for emergencies. What does your employee handbook say?
I’d would say that you are taking the time off anyway. Allowed or not.
I would also get them to tell you exactly when you can take your flexitime.

LadyTiredWinterBottom2 · 05/08/2021 17:21

Think l would take it anyway, this is your child's health. And look for another job.

54321nought · 05/08/2021 17:25

I would just go anyway, they don't own you and your family

AbsolutelyPatsy · 05/08/2021 17:37

have you spoken to them?

Original poster
Doggotired · 05/08/2021 17:46

I emailed my supervisor but I think she’s off until Monday now. I think I will just say I will take it unpaid if they won’t give it me.
If they say I can’t do that then I dunno what to do?! I am not missing the appointment we have waited so long for…. I’m literally asking for 4 hours off.

OP posts:
AbsolutelyPatsy · 05/08/2021 17:55

can you swap with someone?

MrsHuntGeneNotJeremyObviously · 05/08/2021 17:59

I would also go regardless of what they say. Or you could say nothing and call in sick?

MintyCedric · 05/08/2021 18:02

I hope you get it sorted.

It beggars belief that employers can get away with shit but it's very similar when I work (secondary school/public sector).

I'm an only child with (until recently) 2 elderly parents with a multitude of health issues and no other family close enough to help out.

I've had to apply in writing to the headteacher when I've needed to take them to the occasional appointment (mum still drives and they'll get taxi but there's been a couple of procedures when they need someone with them).

Although I've never been refused it's always a big deal and on one occasion the leave wasn't confirmed until close of day the day before the appointment.

Crazy thing is, I'm support staff so not even needing to be in the classroom. It's actually easier for teachers to get time off because they have an effective union.

Original poster
Doggotired · 05/08/2021 18:25

I would call in sick but I’ve already made a fuss about having the time off. I can’t swap because the ones that are off that could cover are both away on holidays. The job was advertised as flexible working but it’s the least flexible job ever. It’s all about stats and performance 🙄

OP posts:
AbsolutelyPatsy · 05/08/2021 19:09

as long as you are upfront,
tell them, you are taking sick leave for your child's appointment, i knew someone that had to do that.

MarianneUnfaithful · 05/08/2021 19:31

Are you in a union?

HermioneWeasley · 05/08/2021 19:33

I would take it - worst they can do is give you a warning

MutteringDarkly · 05/08/2021 19:36

Does your child have a condition that would be recognised as a disability under the Equalities Act? If so, you can take your unpaid parental leave in single days rather than whole weeks, precisely to cover things like hospital appointments. I would request the leave again under those grounds, and if that fails, I would talk to your HR department. This isn't quite indirect disability discrimination, but it wouldn't hurt to have a discussion about requiring adjustments due to your child's disability and how you feel this isn't being taken into consideration.

itsgettingwierd · 05/08/2021 20:45

I was also going to suggest unpaid leave for disabled dependents.

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