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11 June 2014 / Sarah Johnson
Issue: 7610 / Categories: Features , Employment
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Vanity cases?

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Employees & cosmetic surgery: Sarah Johnson reports

Cosmetic surgery is more popular than it has ever been. According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), nearly 17% more cosmetic operations were performed in 2013 than in 2012, with over 50,000 surgical procedures last year. This upward trend is expected to continue.

With many feeling (real or perceived) pressure to look good and/or younger at work, it is not surprising that employers are increasingly facing issues caused by cosmetic surgery. So, what are the key points for employers?

Time off work

Many cosmetic procedures will require time off work, but employers and employees may not see eye to (lifted) eye about how this should be treated.

There is no statutory right to time off to attend medical appointments, except for certain ante-natal ones. Unless there is a contractual right to such time off, leave to attend an appointment with a cosmetic surgeon is likely to be at the discretion of the employer. However, care should be taken in exercising discretion (see below).

Similarly,

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