Time-off for dependents
We provide paid leave to allow employees time off in emergencies related to the care of dependents. The employee may need to make alternative care arrangements, at short notice, to then return to work. This is intended for short-term emergencies. Typically, this may mean that an employee needs one or two days for this provision.
These conditions supplement the statutory right to dependent's leave. If managers receive a request for carer’s leave they should consider the use of dependents leave or discretionary paid (special leave) before statutory unpaid carer’s leave.
This ensures that employees do not suffer financially in emergencies. Dependants include:
- spouse
- child
- parent
- someone living in the same household
- someone who reasonably relies on the employee
We will pay for time off for dependents under this provision so that employees do not suffer financially. If time off for dependents becomes regular or excessive, managers will discuss with employees, the use of:
- flexitime
- unscheduled annual leave
- other arrangements
Employees may take time off for:
1. Family emergency
Assisting when a dependant:
- dies
- falls ill
- gives birth
- is injured or assaulted
2. Specific caring responsibilities
- to attend to the care of a dependant where no other care is immediately available
- to make arrangements for alternative care
- where arrangements for the care of a dependant have become unexpectedly disrupted or terminated
- to deal with an unexpected incident involving an employee's child, whilst they are in the care of an educational establishment
Where exceptional circumstances apply, managers should use their discretion. They may consider granting further time off. This would normally include a mix of:
- flexi-time
- annual leave
- paid discretionary leave
- statutory unpaid carer's leave