Bliss Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 We have a member of staff who is hearing impaired, so needs to attend medical appointments several times a year. We generally ask staff to make appointments before/after sessions, or take time off without pay (or swap a shift). However, the new staff member requires the whole day, and cannot "negotiate" appointments. Is anyone else in a similar position, and how do you manage this? I am thinking about the legislation regarding Disability Discrimination. Many thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LKeyteach Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 Sorry I do not have the answer to this but I would think that you may have to compromise and somehow find away of allowing some appointments and some from holiday entitlement. A bit different I know but a member of staff who is pregnant is entitled to time to attend appointments so would think the same principle applies but it is different circumstances in that pregnancy is not permanent state and it doesn't seem fair that all holiday entitlement should be taken for appointments either which why I think a compromise should be tried. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FSFRebecca Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 If it was me I would telephone Acas, their helpline is here: Acas helpline. They are really helpful and will make sure you do the right thing according to your legal responsibilities. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LKeyteach Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 Sensible advice Rebecca. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thumperrabbit Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 Will be interested to hear what Acas say LKeyteach I now work in a school and have to produce any appointment letters and they have to be agreed by the Head, luckily (touch wood) I'm not ill and don't know what the outcomes are - but when I was a manager I always just used to let my staff go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bliss Posted August 14, 2017 Author Share Posted August 14, 2017 Thank you for your thoughts. I will call ACAS tomorrow and let you know the outcome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blondie Posted August 15, 2017 Share Posted August 15, 2017 I just said as long as a letter was produced to confirm appointment then that was fine - as things like hospital appointments are always going to be in work time. For part time staff it is easier as if appointment was on working day they didn't mind swapping with another member of staff . Full time staff I would just ensure ratios were ok and staff member would go. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bliss Posted August 15, 2017 Author Share Posted August 15, 2017 I have spoken with ACAS and it seems there is no specific legislation. Therefore, we can continue to allow all staff to take unpaid time to attend appointments. Again, thank you for your advice. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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