Paternity Work rights?

Question

I am currently 25 weeks pregnant with our first baby. When i was 16 i had a stillborn baby who was 8 weeks early. Because of this, i have to see my consultant quite alot and the doctors think that this baby may be early as well. Last week i got alot of pains and had to go to the hospital. I called my fiance back from work to come with me. The Drs think it was an infection, but my fiance had to take a couple of days off of work to keep an eye on me in case the infection brought on my labour. All in all he had2 1/2 days off work due to this last week. His boss has spoken to him today as he is worried about how much time off he will have to have, but i was wondering if anyone knows what rights my fiance has, as i am now not only worried about how early the baby will be, but about my partner losing his job for having to have time off. I know he is entitled to 2 weeks off for paternity leave when the baby is born, and we are going to write a letter requesting this for the date the baby is due, but what if we keep having scares like last week and what if the baby is early, can he be refused his leave? His boss having such a lack of understanding has really upset me, i know he has a business to run, but i just want to make sure we know what all our rights are because he will try and get out of everything he is obliged to do. Any help appreciated!

? · Accepted Answer

There is no legal requirement on the part of his employers to allow him any time off to attend appointments with you or to "hold you hand" when you are scared.

It is entirely at the discretion of the company whether or not they allow him to take the time as "sick" days or unpaid leave etc.

Doethineb · Answer

If you are in labour, then you should be taken to hospital in an ambulance. While it is very understandable that your  fiancÃ© shoud be attentive and flap about while all these things are happening, there is actually no need and perhaps the boss is a father himself and has some experience of the way things go. Unless your fiancÃ© is working in exceptional conditions from which he can't be released without a lot of fuss and complication, then all you really need to do is arrange a system for getting you to hospital. If you don't have a phone, then get yourself a mobile phone. Arrange that when the pains start, you will phone for an ambulance.  Your  fiancÃ© need only be summoned to your side when something is actually happening. If the baby is early, there is a chance that he may be placed in the neonatal unit and won't be coming home as early as one might otherwise expect. 

It might be a good idea too to recruit a friend or neighbour to be at hand if you have to rush off to hospital as a contingency plan. 

As far as statutory rights are concerned, they are set out on this website. http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Moneyandworkentitlements/WorkAndFamilies/Paternityrightsintheworkplace/index.htm
Paternity leave is far more valuable after the baby is born, with the various things that need attending to.

Anonymous · Answer

As long as he is not abusing it he could try for FMLA.  Family Medical Leave Act.  My husband got that when I was pregnant and my OB signed off on it.  

As hard as it is don't let the boss upset you...stress is not good for the baby.

trai · Answer

You need help.  I know you want your man by your side when you're feeling badly and scared, but you have fifteen more weeks to go, and, at this rate, it's not going to be feasible for him to take off work every time there's a worry.  (Your baby needs a roof over his head and nappies more than you need his specific hand to hold, you know?)  Recruit your family and friends to help you.  If you're absolutely alone, call service organizations in your area (women's organizations, parenting support groups, religious and cultural charities).

Best wishes for good health for you and your child.

Paternity Work rights?

4 Answers