Pregnant employees and agency workers have the right to attend ante-natal appointments. Since October 2014, the right was extended so that qualifying employees and workers could accompany a pregnant woman to ante-natal appointments.
Partners Rights To Attend Ante-Natal Appointments
This right applies to:
- A pregnant woman’s husband, civil partner or partner (including a same-sex partner)
- The father of a pregnant woman’s child
- Intended parents in a surrogacy situation who meet specified conditions
Those who are eligible are entitled to time off for up to two appointments and the amount of time off is capped at 6.5 hours for each appointment. There is no express right to be paid for the time taken off to attend an appointment unless an employer chooses to exercise its discretion, or as a result of a contractual obligation.
The changes are coming into force to try to encourage the involvement of both of the child’s parents from the earliest stages of pregnancy. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has published a guide for employers.
How Nelsons Can Help
Nelsons have a team of expert Employment Law solicitors specialist that can give you advice on this as well as other areas of employment law.
Speak to a member of our team on 0800 024 1976 or contact us via our online form.