So my wife and I recently found out she is expecting. Her first scan is due soon and whilst looking through our company handbook i noticed there was a policy regarding time off for accompanying pregnant people for antenatal appointments.
I've taken a screenshot from the relevant section below. Based on the wording here would you expect to just be able to take some time off from your day to attend the appointment with your partner, providing you give enough notice etc?
ibb.co
I only ask, as I believe recently the MD has stated that employees should use annual leave for the appointments like this and that is what the policy means.
To me, the policy doesn't read like that at all, and doesn't really make sense to have the policy if you are just expected to book time off with annual leave. Why would you need to provide a signed statement with date and time of appointment and the extra details if it was just something you had to book it off for annual leave (we don't have to give any details for booking AL, you can book it as and when you please with no reasons needed).
Another colleague who is currently in the same situation was told to make his time back that he took off for his recent appointments.
Am I being unreasonable or am I right to be annoyed by this?
I've taken a screenshot from the relevant section below. Based on the wording here would you expect to just be able to take some time off from your day to attend the appointment with your partner, providing you give enough notice etc?
Screenshot-2024-02-19-at-12-35-43 hosted at ImgBB
Image Screenshot-2024-02-19-at-12-35-43 hosted in ImgBB
ibb.co
I only ask, as I believe recently the MD has stated that employees should use annual leave for the appointments like this and that is what the policy means.
To me, the policy doesn't read like that at all, and doesn't really make sense to have the policy if you are just expected to book time off with annual leave. Why would you need to provide a signed statement with date and time of appointment and the extra details if it was just something you had to book it off for annual leave (we don't have to give any details for booking AL, you can book it as and when you please with no reasons needed).
Another colleague who is currently in the same situation was told to make his time back that he took off for his recent appointments.
Am I being unreasonable or am I right to be annoyed by this?
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