Time off for dental/doctors appointment. What is the law?

[elche]

Hi Freaky

 

The doc is basically right in order to implement an EU directive the UK Parliament inserted a new s.57A into the ERA 1996 which is often referred to as Time off for Dependents.

 

The right however, as the doc rightly states, is limited to 'emergency situations' such as accidents, unexpected disruptions in care etc. It would not extend to pre-booked GP / Dentist appointments as by their definition you had advance notice of these.

 

The right could be used by you saying that I had arranged for a childminder to take my child to the GP and 1 hour before or on the day they phoned me and told me that they could not come - this unexpected disruption would probably bring you within the Act, but I don't think this is really what you were asking.

 

Parental leave can exist in certain circumstances but this must be taken in minimum blocks of one week - so doesn't really cover your question.

 

Finally check any handbook / policies / contract - large companies sometimes have an actual policy re gp appointments etc

 

Hope this helps

 

Che

[elche]

 

This pretty much sums things up Freaky..

The Laws Surrounding Dependency Leave for Parents - Law And Parents (UK)

 

Not sure about the accuracy of everything in that link DMD, helpful of course though it is.

 

For example it states the right is to paid time off.

 

Check out some of these links:

 

http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg...0898061&r.s=tl

 

ACAS : Acas - Working parents

 

AMICUS: Your right to dependant's leave

 

They all suggest that the right is unpaid. Perhaps there is another right that they were referring to in the law and parents link?

 

I'm happy to stand corrected, but I am not aware of any statutory right to dependent leave that would be paid.

 

Kind regards

 

Che