Rights to time off from work for diabetes appoinements

I'm sure it's question of being reasonable. As we are officially 'disabled' then we have more rights then for anyone going to the GP, but most employers are reasonable and may or may not look for the time to be 'made-up'. When I managed people in private industry I've always let people have time-off for sensible things and rely on them putting themselves out if there's panic work as a quid pro quo. I've been resistant to people who push their luck

I've never had a problem having time off however I make my appointments for lunch breaks or after work if GP hospital appointments I've only had one in new job and it was at the time I would take lunch break. However were all entitled to time off for appointments however they can choose to withhold pay.

hi, as an employer if you started talking about rights your job would be on the line, im not stupid enough to tell you this but i would be looking to out you, this is harsh but im just being honest, i would never stop anyone going to the docs and i always pay but!, as said i would expect you to try and make the appointment at the most convieniant time to suit the job ie early or late or lunchtime, what i dont like is someome telling me they have a dentist appointment at 11am i am not daft and when i book appointments i make sure they are at the right times, i would also appreciate the person offering to make the time up although i wouldnt make them, on saying that my firm is small, things may be different in big companies

GP appointments, fair enough to make them at the start or end of the day, but hospital appointments are a law to themselves!! I don't know of any hospital that allows you to choose a time, you have to go when they say!

Under the equality act you are entitled to time off (unpaid) to attend the appointments. Some employers will pay you, but then I think it's reasonable to offer to work the time you are away back.

SpaceChick said:

GP appointments, fair enough to make them at the start or end of the day, but hospital appointments are a law to themselves!! I don't know of any hospital that allows you to choose a time, you have to go when they say!

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In my experience with hospital appointments, the reception staff will TRY to get you to get you to accept the date/time THEY choose, you can usually get the appointment that is most convenient to YOU, providing there is a clinic available, by choosing a later clinic (eg 30th Sept instead of 23rd Sept if that moves you from day shift week to night shift week) :thumbup:

I work on the railway and my boss let's me come in late every wednesday after anti-coag blood tests. Diabetes and hospital appointments are ok as well as and when they occur.

I never leave work unfinished though and always meet my deadlines.

It's all down to the individual or company that you work for.

Have you thought of actually speaking to them, we don't know your company policy on this I'm afraid or your bosses persona.

Have a word with them. If I'm late every wednesday, which I agreed would be my designated appointment day, I'm sure the odd occasion for you should be perfectly acceptable. They have a care of duty to you after all.

I was also seriously ill after a major operation and was off work for 6 months exactly. There was never problem with anything to do with me regarding health issues.

I know that not everyone is so fortunate though.

Good luck with it.

Type 1 for 50 years and working for 34 of those. Had a number of employers a not once have I been refused time to attend the hospital diabetic clinic apppintments. Those are never late or early in the day and usually always between 2pm and 4pm. Visits to my GP and dentists etc are in my own time.

I know nothing about legal rights to have time off to go to a hospital apppointment for the condition but surely it is in the employer's best interest and/or duty of care to ensure the health of his/her employee is maintained and monitered?

Most folks needing to attend should always have an appointment card or letter to confirm.

I think it's a bit too convenient these days for an employer to be suspicious and think that someone's pulling a fast one to get time off. Take time to get to know your staff and their needs and realise that not everyone is trying to steal time from their company or business.

Bill