IVF Time Off Work UK -- Rights, Adjustments and What to Ask For | OccuFertility
No automatic right to paid time off for IVF in UK law. Equality Act, reasonable adjustments, and what to ask your employer -- by Dr Divpreet Sacha.
Do I have a legal right to time off for IVF appointments in the UK?
There is no automatic statutory right to paid time off for IVF appointments under UK law. You may be entitled to reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010 if an underlying condition (such as endometriosis or PCOS) substantially affects daily activities, or if your employer has a flexibility or fertility policy. For advice on your situation, contact ACAS (0300 123 1100), your trade union, or an employment solicitor.
When does the Equality Act 2010 protect me during IVF?
Pregnancy and maternity protections under the Equality Act 2010 are generally taken to apply from embryo transfer. Before transfer, protection typically relies on disability provisions if an underlying condition substantially affects daily activities, or on sex discrimination provisions. Whether protection applies in your specific case is a question for legal advice.
What workplace adjustments can I ask for during fertility treatment?
Common requests include flexible hours for clinic appointments, temporary home working during stimulation or the two-week wait, reduced travel and physical duties, a private space for medication, and review of absence triggers. OccuFertility's check-in tool produces a structured summary (PHQ-4 + WAI-1) for your GP and Occupational Health team to support an adjustment request.