Rights to time off for antenatal care
[ch 9: pages 313-314]All pregnant employees and all pregnant temporary agency workers with 12 weeks of service doing the same kind of job for the same hirer are legally entitled to paid time off for antenatal appointments made on the advice of a registered medical practitioner, midwife or nurse. Except for the first appointment, the woman can be asked to provide a copy of a certificate showing she is pregnant and written proof of the appointment. Antenatal care can include medical examinations, midwife appointments, antenatal classes, relaxation and parentcraft classes.
The amount of time off must be reasonable and should include travel time there and back, waiting time and time spent at the appointment or class. This should all be paid leave, at the normal hourly rate of pay.The woman cannot be required to make up time she has missed at some other time, or to take annual leave to cover the time off. An employer must not unreasonably refuse to allow a pregnant worker the time off.