Time Off for Dependants Policy and Procedure - April 2026

4. What is the Right?

The right is to reasonable unpaid time off during the employee’s working hours in order to take action, which is necessary in a number of different circumstances as detailed below:

• To provide assistance on an occasion when a dependant falls ill, gives birth or is injured or assaulted.

• To make arrangements for the provision of care for a dependant who is ill or injured (illness or injury includes mental illness or injury).

• In consequence of the death of a dependant (This right would cover, for example, making arrangements for, and attendance at funerals).

• Because of the unexpected disruption or termination of arrangements for the care of a dependant. (This would cover the employee providing assistance for him or herself or making other arrangements).

• To deal with an incident, which involves a child of the employee and which, occurs unexpectedly in a period during which an educational establishment which the child attends is responsible for him. This would cover –

When the child is distressed for some reason.

Where the child has committed a serious misdemeanour, which could lead to expulsion.

Note – The County Council has paid Compassionate Leave provisions, which may be granted on the death or serious illness of an immediate family member. These provisions are independent of and in addition to the Regulations concerning Time Off for Dependants.