LRD guides and handbook December 2018

Sickness absence and sick pay - a guide for trade unions and working people

Chapter 6

Medical appointments

[ch 6: page 101]

Flexibility to provide paid time off to attend medical appointments without that being counted towards sick pay entitlement is important, particularly in view of concerns about “presenteeism” and “leavism” (see page 19). Appointments can be difficult to arrange outside working hours and may involve a long waiting list. The recent example of a DPD driver who missed appointments because of being worried about being “fined” by the employer is relevant (see page 74).