Q: What do I have to do when my employee takes time off to go to the doctor or dentist?

A: There is no statutory right to time paid or unpaid time off for medical or dental appointments. Employees may have a right in their contract to time off for these appointments which may give paid or unpaid time and may state a maximum duration for each appointment. It is not unreasonable to ask employees to make doctors and dentists appointments outside normal working hours whenever possible or to make appointments at the beginning or end of the working day to reduce disruption.

Urgent medical or dental emergencies or admission to hospital are likely to be covered by sickness absence. In this case, either statutory or contractual sick pay will be due.