Time off work for treatment

[ZiggyandBC]

Hi,

I booked my next scan off work but it’s been declined as there are too many people off already. I can’t really ask the clinic to change the day as it’s when my down reg is over. Any advice?

[Waitingonarainbow]

Hi.Does your work know your situation? I’m wondering if they knew the reason you were asking for leave, would an exception be made?

[ZiggyandBC in reply to Waitingonarainbow]

They know I’m having IVF, I’ve emailed to tell them what the appointment is for so I’m hoping they’ll allow it x

[Waitingonarainbow in reply to ZiggyandBC]

Oh I hope they are supportive of you! We’ve just been referred for IVF so I’m already trying to fathom in my head how all of the appointments will fit in with my job!Wishing you luck x

[ZiggyandBC in reply to Waitingonarainbow]

Thank you! Fingers crossed they’ll allow it xx

[RoseLodge32]

Hi Ziggy, hopefully in being open with work about what it’s for, they will be supportive and let you take the time off. My understanding is that IVF comes under medical appointments so they should allow you to have the time you need for these things.

I had my first fresh round in March and ended up taking a month out of work as it all got too much. Although my work were super supportive, I did feel very overwhelmed about balancing workload and meetings with IVF appointments that I only had a rough idea of when they would be.

That could be an alternative option if your work start being difficult and/or it starts to get too much. Hopefully it won’t come to that though! xx

[ZiggyandBC in reply to RoseLodge32]

Thank you for your reply. Work are aware that I’m having IVF so are supportive in some ways, it just adds to the stress of not knowing when the appointments will be and whether or not they’ll let me have the time off. I may have to take some time off maybe after our transfer as my job is pretty physical so I don’t want to feel like I’m putting too much stress on my body. I’m definitely learning to put my needs first and not feeling guilty about it! Xx

[Westcoastwestie]

Hopefully explaining what it is for will change the answer. When I spoke to my work and asked about the policy for ivf and leave they realised they didn’t have one. So my head teacher told me they would treat it as any other on going medical treatment and my leave was as and when I needed it because of that. If they still say no maybe have a hunt around or ask for the policy. It can help to know what you are entitled to.

[ZiggyandBC in reply to Westcoastwestie]

Thank you, I’m pretty sure my place doesn’t have any policies relating to fertility treatment so I think it’s classed as medical appointments. I’ve told them I can’t change the date as it has to be on that date to line up with the medication I’m taking xx

[Westcoastwestie in reply to ZiggyandBC]

In that case then I think it’s any other medical leave and they can’t really say no/ dictate when you can or can’t go. Fingers crossed

[Purplehedgehog87]

I've been having some issues too, however as I'm finally learning this is gruelling, it's not just popping out for a coffee and they can't refuse as it could be classed as sex discrimination. I would get hr involved or just put a sick note in for the whole cycle, after egg collection it classes as pregnancy related and does not count towards your total sick leave percentage etc. What are your working hours to see if there's a work around? Unfortunately most employers just don't understand so we have to be firm. Sometimes clinics can move bloods etc mine does 8am so people can go ot work after for example or move a scan in the day. Worth talking to them too x

[ZiggyandBC in reply to Purplehedgehog87]

Thank you! I’ve sent in the letter as proof so I don’t think they’ll still be able to decline it, otherwise I’ll have to just go to my GP for some time off. The last thing we need is to be fighting with work about needing time off! Xx

[xIVFWarriorx]

I’m probably in a really fortunate situation where my work are being really supportive. I’m on my second cycle. First time round we kept it quiet and didn’t tell anyone until I ended up in hospital overnight and I was forced to tell my boss. Turns out she herself had gone through IVF for her son and therefore completely understands and encourages, so this second cycle has been so smooth sailing so far. She’s constantly telling me to go off and rest (I’m still working from home) and to take plenty time for myself. Besides that, my work has a policy for fertility treatment where I can get up to 5 days special leave but my bosses are pretty much just giving me whatever I need. Hopefully your work sort it out for you. IVF is stressful enough without the added stress of work on top. Good luck!

[ZiggyandBC in reply to xIVFWarriorx]

I’m so glad your work are supportive, my manager is also going through IVF with the same fertility clinic as me so she’s really supportive but it’s my HR department that are in charge of letting people have time off. I’ve been honest about the appointments so they know it’s important so hopefully they’ll be a bit understanding. I wish I could work from home! That would be the dream! I’m a support worker so my job is pretty much out and about most of the time, I’m thinking about changing jobs to something a bit more flexible so I could work from home if I need to. Xx

[Rowan80]

Yes, it is definitely tricky balancing work with all of the appointments which as I found were sometimes last minute. I contacted my union and spoke to my headteacher about the school’s policy. Both indicated that around 10 days leave can be granted for IVF appointments. So definitely investigate company policy and union advice in your line of work. Good luck 🤞🏼

[ZiggyandBC in reply to Rowan80]

Thank you for the advice! My manager is actually going through IVF treatment but we don’t have any policies for fertility treatment. I think they just treat it as any medical appointment so I’m hoping that if I show proof then they’ll accept it xx

[Hidden]

How far is your clinic? Do you need to take the whole day off? I always just told work I had a hospital appointment and would be out for a few hours. They can't stop you getting medical treatment. I have never taken a full day off, even when I've had quite a bit of travel, just to show willing x

[ZiggyandBC in reply to Hidden]

The clinic is around 45 mins away if there’s no traffic, I haven’t asked for the full day off just the morning and lunch time. I’ve sent them a copy of my appointment letter as proof so hopefully they’ll allow it 🤞🏻 xx

[Purplehedgehog87]

you can ask your manager to talk to HR about education - fertility network UK do a lot of work with employers and they are a charity, if its a single workplace they just request a donation, could be worth it. I've suggested it to my HR dept

[ZiggyandBC in reply to Purplehedgehog87]

That’s a really good idea, I’ll mention it to my manager as she’s also going through IVF too xx

[ZiggyandBC]

Thank you to everyone who replied and gave advice. I sent in the appointment letter and the time off has now been granted! 🙌🏻❤️