Time off for dependants

Time off for dependants: an introduction

The law gives you the right to a reasonable amount of time off work to deal with emergencies involving your dependants. This is sometimes referred to as compassionate leave. The law does not, however, give you the right to be paid for that time off.

You can request time off for dependants, even if you only recently started the job.

Who is considered a dependant?

According to the law your dependants include your parents, spouse / civil partner and children.

Other relatives, friends or unrelated children who live in your home as family are also considered your dependants. This would include a grandparent or other relative who lives in the family home and also includes unmarried / same-sex partners. It does not apply to someone in a commercial relationship with you, such as a live-in employee, lodger or tenant.

Others who ‘reasonably’ depend on your help in case of an emergency also qualify as your dependants. For example, an elderly or disabled neighbour whose usual care arrangements have fallen through may require your help.

Situations that qualify for time off

You can take time off for dependants to deal with an emergency. Examples of unplanned emergencies include:

• the illness or injury of a dependant;
• the death of a dependant;
• the failure of the usual carer to arrive for work;
• an incident with your child at school;
• when a dependant gives birth.

As well as dealing with the emergency you can also request time off to make arrangements related to the emergency such as:

• arranging and attending a dependant’s funeral;
• arranging long-term care for an injured or ill dependant.

Situations that do not qualify for time off

Your employer may allow time off for other emergencies but there are some situations that your employer does not have to give you time off for, including: dealing with emergencies involving your home (such as fire, flooding, burglary or a broken boiler) and:

• taking your dependants to planned medical appointments;
• dealing with the illness or injury of a pet;
• personal crises (such as relationship problems).

Notifying your employer

Time off for dependants is usually to deal with emergencies so you are not expected to provide advance notice but you must tell your employer about your absence as soon as possible. You also need to tell your employer how long you expect to be away.

If you need to leave work to deal with an emergency you must make a reasonable effort to inform your employer before leaving.

If you think your employer’s leave policy could be more supportive of family-friendly working and reduce workplace stress, suggest the idea to your UNISON rep.

Next steps for UNISON reps

Does your employer have a reasonable leave policy? A good policy with a defined amount of paid leave for employees to deal with emergencies can reduce members’ stress. Get the support of members to negotiate a better leave policy.