Britannia Coaches recognises that, from time to time, employees may need to request absence from work at short notice due to an urgent matter (for example, a hospital or other medical appointment). While there is generally no automatic legal right to time off for routine medical appointments, we will consider requests reasonably and fairly, balancing individual circumstances with operational requirements.
To help us maintain service delivery and arrange cover, all routine/planned appointments must be arranged between school contract hours (i.e., between school contract duties) wherever possible. If this is not possible, you must submit this request as soon as you receive the appointment and discuss options with your line manager.
Requests for time off to attend appointments must be accompanied by an appointment letter or other proof (for example, an appointment card, text message or email confirmation). If the matter is sensitive, please speak to your line manager about what evidence can be provided without sharing unnecessary medical details.
Emergency time off for dependants
If you need time off due to an unexpected emergency involving a dependant (for example sudden illness, an unexpected breakdown of care arrangements, or an urgent hospital situation), you may have a statutory right to a reasonable amount of time off. Notify your line manager as soon as possible, explain the reason and expected duration, and provide any supporting information where practical. (This right intended for emergencies, not planned appointments.)
