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unpaid time off for appointments

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D

Denzjane

New Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Until recently I've been able to book unpaid time off for my appointments and now the company I work for has decided that I should work the missed hours. While I don't mind not being paid, I do object to having to stay later than usual to make up the time. This is being queried with HR but I wonder if anyone else has this problem, or if anyone knows the legal standpoint on basically being forced to work.
Thanks.
 
You are covered under the Equality Act 2010 with regards to resonable adjustments etc, https://www.gov.uk/rights-disabled-person/employment

Im lucky that my company will give me time off with pay for medical appointments and I also have the option of working from home.
 
Hopefully your HR department will be aware of the law.

As Stich147 says, as diabetes is considered a disability, the law is different. I think ordinarily the company can insist you take holiday rather than unpaid leave, but under the act, "reasonable adjustments" should be made.
 
When I was working I was allowed reasonable time off for appointments but was asked to make them as early or as late as possible. Whenever I needed to see my GP I asked my manager to listen in on the other extension. Several times she stepped in when I was told I had to have a lunch time appointment as it meant the whole day off work.

Not sure of the rules, but I think (and only think, don't know for certain) your employer has to make reasonable allowance for you to keep medical appointments. You need to take advice, HR and the union are best placed to help you
 
This is a difficult one because it could be argued that it is a reasonable adjustment to allow you time off for the appointment as long as you make up the time. The business case being that they need you to work those hours as a business need. However that is on the basis that the time for the appointment is not unpaid.
 
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This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
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