UK Family Right · 2026
Can I take time off for antenatal appointments?
Statutory rights
Employment Rights Act 1996 — section on legislation.gov.uk">ERA 1996 s.55 (paid time off for pregnant employee — no service requirement); s.57ZE (unpaid time off for partner — no service requirement, max 2 appointments at up to 6.5 hours each); Equality Act 2010 (refusal can be discrimination). The right covers 'reasonable' time off including travel, the appointment itself, and recovery. Pay is at full normal rate.
How to exercise this right
1) Tell your employer about the appointment as soon as you can — verbally is fine but written is better. 2) Provide evidence: appointment card or confirmation (employer can request this from second appointment onwards, but cannot for the first). 3) For partners: provide a signed statement confirming attendance (no card required). 4) Take the time, including travel and recovery. 5) Return to normal pay arrangements — no pay deduction. 6) If refused: in writing, raise grievance citing s.55 ERA.
Employer obligations
Allow paid time off for the pregnant employee (no cap on appointments); allow unpaid time off for partners (max 2 appointments, max 6.5 hours each); not require evidence for the first appointment; not deduct pay; not discriminate against employees taking this time. Refusal or pressure to make up time is unlawful.
If your employer refuses
Refusal to allow paid time off for an antenatal appointment is a breach of Employment Rights Act 1996 — section on legislation.gov.uk">ERA 1996 s.55 and likely also pregnancy discrimination under Equality Act s.18. Tribunal claim within 3 months. Compensation = lost pay + potentially injury to feelings under Equality Act. No service requirement.
Worked example
Olivia had 8 antenatal appointments during pregnancy. Her manager started questioning the number after the 4th, asking her to 'make up the time'. She emailed HR citing ERA 1996 s.55 (no cap on appointments) and requested confirmation that all time off was paid. HR confirmed and reminded the manager of the law. All 8 appointments paid in full; no further pushback.
Recruiter pro tip
The 'no cap' rule on antenatal appointments is widely misunderstood — many employers think 4-6 appointments is the limit. There's no statutory limit; the test is 'reasonable'. NHS guidance recommends typically 7-10 antenatal appointments for first pregnancies, fewer for subsequent. As long as appointments are NHS-recommended or doctor/midwife-advised, they're covered. Push back firmly if challenged.
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