Fathers gain right to time off for antenatal appointments

Implementation date: 1 October 2014

The Children and Families Act 2014 (partly commenced by the Children and Families Act 2014 (Commencement No.3, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2014 (SI 2014/1640)) enables expectant fathers, and partners of pregnant women, to take time off work to attend two antenatal appointments with the expectant mother. Both parents in a surrogacy arrangement are also entitled to take unpaid time off work to attend two antenatal appointments with the woman carrying the child. The Act provides protection against detriment or dismissal for taking time off in these circumstances. The Children and Families Act also increases the amount of the award for an unreasonable refusal of time off for antenatal care.