Introduction
The primary purpose of compassionate leave is to help employees to come to terms with the death of a loved one; a serious illness or injury involving a loved one; or serious personal relationship problems.
This policy does not apply in cases of domestic emergency. We have a separate policy on domestic emergencies.
If you are entitled to take time off under the statutory right to time off for dependants, any time off granted as compassionate leave is in addition to the time off available under the statutory right. We have a separate policy on time off for dependants.
Definitions
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Immediate Family Member |
Your spouse, civil partner, partner, parent, child, sibling or grandparent |
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Dependant |
Your spouse, civil partner, child or parent, and any person who lives at the same house as you (other than as a lodger, tenant or boarder) or who would reasonably rely on you for assistance or arrangements for care in the event of illness or injury. |
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 the 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 the individual's circumstances. The manager will take into account matters such as your relationship with the deceased, domestic responsibilities and travel requirements, but will not normally grant more than five days' paid leave.
In the case of death of another close relative (who is not your dependant), for example an aunt, uncle, cousin or parent-in-law, or a close friend, the employee may request paid leave to attend the funeral.
Other circumstances where compassionate leave is available
Compassionate leave is available to come to terms with severe personal problems or the injury or critical illness of an immediate family member.
You should inform your line manager of the need to take compassionate leave as soon as reasonably practicable. In these circumstances you will normally be able to request to take a maximum of five days' paid compassionate leave in a 12-month period. Each case will be viewed sympathetically and the outcome of your request will depend on the particular circumstances. We will take into account factors such as the nature of the situation and, if applicable, the closeness of the relationship.
If you wish to take further leave, you should request annual leave in the usual way.