Compassionate Leave

Page updated: 07/04/2020

Up to a maximum of 5 days paid time off (pro rata part time) is available in the event of the death, critical illness or injury of a member of your immediate family. In the event of the death of a child, parent or partner this may be extended to 10 days. Authorisation must be sought from the Head of Service in these exceptional circumstances.

Immediate family is defined as your spouse, civil partner, partner, parent, child, sibling or grandparent.

Bereavement

In the event of the death of a member of your immediate family, you should contact your line manager to request compassionate leave. You should inform your manager of the need to take compassionate leave as soon as reasonably practicable.

Each case will be viewed sympathetically and the amount of leave granted will depend on your circumstances. Your manager will take into account matters such as your relationship with the immediate family member, domestic responsibilities and travel requirements.In the case of death of another close relative for example an aunt or uncle, you may request compassionate leave to attend the funeral.

Critical Injury or critical illness

Compassionate leave is available where there is critical injury or critical illness of an immediate family member as defined above. Your manager will take into account factors such as the nature of the incident, your relationship with the immediate family member, domestic responsibilities and travel requirements.

Emergency domestic situations

Time off work up to 1 day may be approved to enable employees to deal with emergency domestic situations at home, such as flood, fire or burglary. It does not apply to planned events such as domestic repairs, refurbishment, building or trades work, installation of appliances, home deliveries, etc.

You should inform your manager of the need to take compassionate leave as soon as reasonably practicable. Each case will be viewed sympathetically and the outcome of your request will depend on your circumstances. If you wish to take further leave, you should request annual leave in the usual way.

An application for time off will need to be completed and submitted at the earliest opportunity.

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