Agency workers and pregnant employees are entitled to maternity leave for antenatal appointments, which may include time off work to accompany them. In October 2014, the right became broader so that qualified employees and workers were able to accompany pregnant women to antenatal checkups. This right relates to:
- A pregnant woman's spouse, civil partner, or partner may also be eligible for maternity leave to attend antenatal appointments.
- The father of a kid conceived by a pregnant woman may be entitled to paternity leave and pay.
- Parents in mind who fit certain requirements in a surrogacy case may also be eligible for parental leave.
Eligible individuals are entitled to up to two appointments with a maximum of 6.5 hours for each appointment. There is no express right to be compensated for time taken off to attend an appointment, but employees may have a right to time off work for such visits. However, an employer may choose to use discretion regarding time off work for fathers and partners accompanying pregnant employees.
Will the partner have to work for a certain period of time before being permitted to take time off for antenatal appointments?
It should be noted that employees have a "day one" right to take unpaid time off to attend antenatal checkups. Contract workers, on the other hand, will have to complete a qualifying period before being eligible for unpaid time off work for antenatal appointments.
Does the partner be obligated to present evidence?
Employers can request a signed declaration expressing the need for time off to accompany a pregnant partner to antenatal appointments.
- The employee has a relationship with a pregnant woman or her expected child, which may grant him the right to time off to accompany her to two antenatal appointments.
- The employee's time off is used to take a pregnant woman to a scan or an antenatal visit.
- The visit is planned on the recommendation of a registered medical practitioner, registered midwife, or registered nurse, allowing for necessary maternity leave from work.
- The appointment time and date for which maternity leave is requested to accompany a pregnant partner.
What to do if you are refused time off or payment for antenatal care?
Time off for antenatal care can be a big source of annoyance among colleagues and employers, especially when it involves taking unpaid time off work.
However, it is essential for your and your baby's health that you see your medical practitioners frequently so that any concerns are identified as soon as possible and you receive the care that you need.
Since every pregnancy is different, the amount of time off you need for pregnancy and maternity is quite personal. It may be beneficial to give your employer as much advance notice as possible of your appointments, try to prevent disturbance as much as possible, and discuss how your job will be handled during your absences.
The law states that employees have the right to take paid time off for antenatal care. Your employer cannot expect you to make up time or adjust your working hours. Even if you work part-time, you are still entitled to time off if your appointments fall during your typical working hours and you cannot avoid them. If you work casually and are an employee, you are entitled to paid time off for antenatal care if you need to attend two antenatal appointments when you usually are at work.
Schedule appointments at a time that will minimise your absence from work is a good way to reduce disruption to your working day, if you are unable to control when your appointments fall within this window, you are still entitled to a reasonable amount of time off for antenatal care and to be paid at your regular hourly rate.
