time off work for appointments

[jazzy2]

Hi guys,
i was just wondering if anybody knows if employers have to allow you time off for fertility treatment? As this is looking very likely for me at the moment but im just worried as my boss isnt the most understanding and i was told i wouldnt be allowed time off as this is somthing that i have chosen to go ahead with!

can anyone shed any light on this? Thank yooou xx

 

[DaisyPurple]

Didn't want to read and run but not sure, I would have thought so but maybe one of the other girls can shed some light on this xx

Sent from my HTC Desire S using Tapatalk

 

[LouiseB]

I'd go to your union if you have one and see what they have to say for you, or maybe even speak to your doctor.

Do you not have any holidays you could use?

 

[laurat]

Im finding this really hard and Im not sure of the legalities. Ive just got my long awaited appointments through for an ultrasound and the fertility dr and they have given me them on the Thurs then Fri afternoon. No change allowed. Its so frustrating as thats now 2 afternoons one after the other. It would have just been so much easier to be in the same day! I have set holidays too as Im a teacher so have no flexibility. It puts stress on the whole situation that is unecessary!

 

[ScotchEgg]

I checked my work policy and it doesn't distinguish between any type of treatment or make any reference that anything wouldn't be covered

How big an organisation do you work for? Could you contact HR and ask?

 

[Butterflykisses]

Our work policy is that time off isn't allowed for doctors, dentists, optician etc as these can be worked around our shifts but hospital appointments are dealt with separately as the hospital tell you when your appointment and don't ask when suits you. This includes any hospital appointment.

 

[mid]

My work has a flexible working policy which ultimately means that I can attend any appointment as long as I do my 36hrs a week. However, even if this is your 'choice' which I think is a bloody cheek to say btw (who chooses to need assistance with conceiving a child!!) it's medical related...I don't think they would have a leg to stand on tbh. I would cite Human Right Act- Right to family life!! Dunno if that's how it should be used though!!

 

[eobrien133]

My work only gives me time off if I use holidays or if an early morning appointment, have to make up the time.

I would imagine most employers would be the same.

 

[jazzy2]

Thank you everyone for your comments,
i work for a university so if it comes to it i could contact HR, because i work in childcare we have to maintain ratios which is why its so dificult to get time off, my boss doesnt have children and doesnt really have "people skills" thats why shes nick names "the dragon" so far i haven't had time off for any of my appointments as they've all been with my GP and ive been able to work them around my shifts but i'm aware that when the apointments are with the hospital theres not much flexability.
its just adding extra stress to a situation thats already playing on my mind every flipping day and to say its "my choice" to have fertility treatment well thankx a flippin bunch i dont think she can even begin to imagine what i'm feeling at the mo!

Anyway, sorry to go on guys and thank you very much for your comments xxx

 

[nickynoo...]

Are you employed by the education authority or is it a private nursery? if it's a large organisation they should have a policy - my employer has a specific policy to incorporate Maternity, Adoption and Fertility Treatment. The fertility bit states you can change your shift pattern to work a more regular pattern when you're going through the treatment as they realise it's a stressful time as well as time off for any appoinments.
My understanding is that they dont have to do it by law so you just need to ask your HR if they have a policy in place...

 

[jazzy2]

nicky, yea its part of the university so its a large organisation, i will look into it and contact HR if need be, thank you for your help xx

 

[dyscochick]

If it's part of a Uni they should have the policy document available on the Uni webpages, mine does. Try looking on the web but your HR should be able to tell all! Gl xx