1. ABOUT THIS POLICY
1.1 Compassionate leave is designed to help you cope with the death of a close relative, deal with necessary arrangements and attend their funeral. It may also be granted where a close relative is seriously or critically ill.
1.2 This policy does not form part of any employee’s or worker’s contract of employment or engagement and we may amend it at any time.
2. WHEN COMPASSIONATE LEAVE MAY BE AVAILABLE
2.1 You may take unpaid compassionate leave of up to 10 days in any 12-month period, where a close relative has died, is critically ill with a life-threatening illness, or has suffered a life-threatening injury.
2.2 In the event of the death of a child, including a stillbirth, please see our Parental Bereavement Leave Policy which applies instead of this policy. We may grant further unpaid compassionate leave in this situation at our discretion.
2.3 We will consider requests for compassionate leave due to other traumatic events or difficult personal circumstances on a case by case basis.
2.4 If you are still unable to return to work following compassionate leave you should contact your line manager. We may at our discretion grant you further unpaid compassionate leave in those circumstances. Alternatively, you may be able to take a period of annual leave, subject to your manager’s approval.
3. REQUESTING COMPASSIONATE LEAVE
3.1 We recognise that it may not always be possible to request compassionate leave in advance. However, where it is possible, you should make a request to your line manager. You should tell them the reasons for your request and the number of days leave you would like to take.
3.2 Where it is not possible to request leave in advance you should contact your line manager as soon as possible to tell them the reason for your absence and the number of days you expect to be absent. Someone can do this on your behalf if necessary.
3.3 In exceptional circumstances we may have to refuse a request for compassionate leave and will give you a written explanation of the reasons. If you are dissatisfied with this decision you may make a complaint under our Grievance Procedure.
