Job interview - Does my current employer have to give me time off?

buckeejit

buckeejit

buckeejit

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14 Aug 2004
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as per subject.... I'm currently in full time employment. I received a letter 2 days ago inviting me to a job interview. Good news but I have no annual leave etc. left in my current job to enable me to attend this interview with another company.

My question is, am I entitled to time off? I can attend hospital appointments etc. without taking leave. My mate said that they have to let me go to theinterview. I somehow don't think this is true.
 
I doubt it. I can't imaging going to my boss and saying, 'You know I have no annual leave left, but please can I have a day off to attend an interview?' The best you can ask for is a days leave with no pay.
 
If you are being made redundent, then they have to let you have time off for interviews.

But if not then they do not have to give you time off, as you work for them during your contracted (writern or verbal) time.

So calling in sick is your best option.
 
If your new employer finds out you took time off sick to attend the interview, they might not take too kindly to it though. Probably best to be honest with your existing employer and take the day/afternoon off unpaid.
 
Could be embarrassing if they see you in a suit looking perfectly well after previously calling in sick, unless the interview is miles away from your current job and no-one is likely to see you.
 
Ace Modder said:
legally you are entitled to the time off work, but without pay.
Click to expand...

Time off for personal commitments and emergencies

All employees are entitled to reasonable unpaid time off to deal with an emergency involving a dependant, such as:

* a dependant falling sick or being injured
* care arrangements breaking down
* arranging or attending a dependant's funeral

A dependant normally means partner, children or close family members, but could also mean someone else, such as a frail neighbour who is looked after by an employee.

You must decide if the time off is reasonable, not by the amount of disruption it causes your business but on the merits of each case. The right is only for time off to deal with the emergency - any longer time off is at your discretion.

Staff may need time off for other personal commitments. These can range from household reasons, eg during essential maintenance work, to time off for religious observance.

It is a good idea to have a written policy to deal consistently and fairly with requests for discretionary leave. The policy should be clearly stated under the terms and conditions of employment or within a document such as a staff handbook. Time off in these cases doesn't have to be paid unless the employment contract states otherwise.

You may decide to pay employees when they take time off for these reasons to improve staff morale and loyalty, and help achieve a better work-life balance. Make sure your policy and the way you apply it are non-discriminatory.

If an employee falls sick, they may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay for up to 28 weeks. for information on the conditions and regulations regarding Statutory Sick Pay. If you pay workers more than the Statutory Sick Pay requirements, set out the terms clearly in their contracts.


His boss would have to be a very, very nice person to let him have time off for an interview.

Would you let an employee have time off for an interview.

He only option is to lie to his boss.
 
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