Compassionate leave policy

About this policy

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.

This policy does not form part of any employee's contract of employment, and we may amend it at any time.

Entitlement

You are entitled to take paid compassionate leave of up to 10 days in any 12-month period in respect of a spouse or partner, child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, step-parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, brother or sister, stepbrother or stepsister, or brother or sister-in-law.

We may exercise our discretion to grant a period of paid compassionate leave in respect of any other relative or close friend, depending on the circumstances of each case.

If you are still unable to return to work following an authorised period of compassionate leave, you should contact the Managing Director. It may be appropriate to take a period of annual leave, subject to your manager's approval, or we may at our discretion grant you further paid leave in those circumstances.

Requesting compassionate leave

Where it is not possible to request leave in advance, you should contact the Managing Director 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.