Employers will soon be required to give fathers-to-be time off to attend antenatal appointments with their partners.
A measure brought in under the Children and Families Act 2014, which takes effect on 1 October 2014, applies to anyone in a “qualifying relationship” with an expectant mother, which would include the biological father, a civil partner or a partner who is not the father of the child.
Those eligible will have the right to time off to attend up to two antenatal appointments, with a maximum of six-and-a-half hours for each, but there is no right to be paid for the time off.
Also with effect from 1 October, prospective adopters will have the right to attend meetings before a child is placed with them for adoption.
Single adopters will be able to attend up to five appointments, each of up to six-and-a-half hours, and will be entitled to pay at their hourly rate. Joint adopters can choose one person to attend up to five paid appointments while the other can attend up to two unpaid appointments.
Employers who unreasonably refuse time off to attend appointments, who fail to pay the employee, where appropriate, who dismiss them or treat them in a detrimental way for accompanying – or seeking to accompany – a partner to an antenatal appointment, or for attending an adoption appointment, could expose themselves to an employment tribunal claim.
Employment law is constantly changing and employers need to be sure they are aware of, and compliant with, new responsibilities as they take effect, to avoid the time expense involved in disputes or tribunal cases.
Palmers’ employment law team can provide expert guidance to employers on putting in place compliant employment policies and procedures and assist them in staying up to date on changes in employment legislation.
Our HR package also offers regularly updated sample policies for matters such as flexible working and parental leave. For more information about our employment law services or our HR package, please visit our website or contact Lara Murray.