Employer being difficult about first antenatal class - help!

[blondieminx]

Most of my antenatal classes are in the evening so I won't need any time off for them - but for some reason the first one is scheduled on a weekday afternoon so I'll need a bit of time off. I gave 6 weeks notice of this. I've just been called into my manager's office and asked to explain what the classes are - and was asked whether they were NHS or "privately paid ones you've chosen to attend". I said they were NCT ones and the manager basically said "when my friends have been pg they've had classes at the weekend" so I explained that unfortuantely in my area that isn't offered. The manager then said she'd have to check this with HR.

My understanding was that I am entitled to paid leave to attend antenatal appointments and classes... surely it doesn't matter whether the antenatal classes are NHS or NCT?

Thanks for any advice!

AFAIK you are perfectly within your rights to attend the NCT class during the week. Your boss is just being difficult.

No, shouldn't matter at all. They are being thick! Is it a large company? If they have an HR Dept then hopefully they will be better informed.

Check a copy of your Maternity Policy. It should say there about time off.

I think mine said something along the lines of 'reasonable' time off - but I don't think anyone could argue that one afternoon, with 6 weeks' notice, isn't reasonable.

Good luck!

Copied from Business Link

"All pregnant employees have the right to paid time off to attend antenatal care appointments. Antenatal care covers not only medical examinations but also, for example, relaxation classes and parentcraft classes.

However, the right to time off only applies if the appointment is advised by a midwife, health visitor or registered medical practitioner (eg a doctor)."

So if your midwife approves and will write you a note or something to say that these classes are advised, all is well. Your argument will be stronger, I guess, if there are no NHS classes available

Thanks all. Glad to know I'm not being unreasonable here - I thought giving 6 weeks notice and having all other classes outside of work time was pretty good so I was gobsmacked they quibbled about one afternoon given how much notice I've given!

What islandofsodor said. Just wanted to add that, IME, midwives will very happily write these types of letters for awkward employers!

I sent an email to HR asking to discuss it ..and then got a reply saying I could have it after all and wouldn't have to take the time as annual leave - result!

Thanks again for all the replies