Yes. By law, you have the right to reasonable time off with full pay for ‘antenatal’ (pregnancy-related) appointments and care before you have your baby.
That includes scans, health checks and educational classes.
Unfortunately, you may not necessarily get approved time off to attend some appointments that you choose to do as additions to your recommended care such as private ultrasound scans (like 4D scans) or pregnancy based exercise classes.
Does it matter if I work full time or part time?
The same rules apply whether you are full time or part time, and your rights are not impacted by how long you have been at the company.
If you are an agency worker, you can get paid time off after working on the same assignment for 12 weeks.
Can my employer only let me take time off for appointments at certain times?
No, your employer cannot make you set or change the time of your appointments if you do not want to.
Can my partner also get time off for appointments?
Your partner also has the right to time off (usually unpaid) to attend two appointments with you, lasting up to 6.5 hours each.
How do I tell my employer about my pregnancy?
You should tell your employer before you are 15 weeks before your due date (25 weeks pregnant)
You can tell your employer initially face to face if you feel comfortable, but many employers may want the information in writing/email form too.
They may ask you for a medical certificate, known as a MATB1 form, which you can get from community midwife or GP from 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Will my employer ask for proof of the appointments/classes?
After your first antenatal appointment your employer may ask for proof, which can be given in many forms such as an appointment card, email confirmation, or a note from the hospital. Just ask the healthcare or class provider if you need any help with this.
What if I don’t want to tell my employer?
If you don’t feel ready to tell your employer you’re pregnant you can still attend appointments, similarly to how you would normally attend a doctor or dental appointment. You may not get paid for this time depending on your employee contract.
And, did you know, your employer CANNOT fire you or treat you unfairly because you tell them you’re pregnant as this is against the law
You can learn more about pregnant employees’ rights on the government website or the ACAS website
