partner ill...need leave from work ?

Emmzi

if you have checked wwith your boss, and checked with HR, and they say no, and we all tell you that you have no legal right to time off, isn't that telling you something?

stuckinmyflat

i've not managed to speak to hr yet, but i will be if they ever answer the phone.

and unless u've worked for the nhs, u'd know that managers are notorious for making things up. ask 5 managers 1 question u'll probably 5 different answers. i have experienced this: had to come in for a meeting in my own time (was not paid for the time) then was told by 2 different managers i was not entitled to the time back, funnily enough as soon as i went over their head i found i was entitled to either the time back or paid for it.

Tigsteroonie

I would say that speaking to HR is a priority.

When you asked your Manager, did you put the request in writing/email? I would have done, and then asked the reasons for denial of special unpaid leave (which is what would probably apply). You could then double-check those reasons with HR, who will have a wider-scale overview of what line managers deem as acceptable.

stuckinmyflat

i keep all my emails as proof of conversations, as many employees have had problems with the management. as for HR getting them to answer the phone is a nightmare, and can take up to 1 week for replies to email

Emmzi

assuming you have standard T&Cs, section 35.28 onwards

http://www.nhsemployers.org/SiteCollectionDocuments/AfC_tc_of_service_handbook_fb.pdf

an operation with advance notice is not an emergency so is not covered. Therefore, manager' discretion.

grievance procedure if you are not happy, however I'd be inclined not to as a) it won't be heard until it's too late and b) IMHO the request is unreasonable

SarEl

Surely the sensible thing would be to take a weeks leave if your partner needs you, and if you get something of it back then fine, if not - well that's life. I presume that it isn't your intention to dump a tray of sandwiches on your partner after three days and go back to work because the employer won't pay you? So book the leave and if something happens to say that you can get some paid leave, you can sort out the details later.

stuckinmyflat

thats my point i cant get paid or unpaid leave, they have said no to both. obviously it would be better if i got paid leave but ofcourse i would take unpaid or annual leave if i could get it, unfortunately it will be the case that the day he comes out of surgery i will be dumping a tray of sandwiches on him and going to work , what else can i do lose my job ???

dark_lady

You have just found out the truth about the way carers (unpaid family carers) are treated in this country.Its even worse if you are caring for someone who is permanently disabled. Past employers have refused me leave paid or unpaid and then given colleagues who were parents extra time off for school sports days.

Emmzi

you can
a) leave him in hospital
b) pay for a carer to come in and look after him
c) get a friend or relative to come in

why does it have to be you? yes, it is nicer, but it is not essential!

SarEl

stuckinmyflat wrote: »

thats my point i cant get paid or unpaid leave, they have said no to both. obviously it would be better if i got paid leave but ofcourse i would take unpaid or annual leave if i could get it, unfortunately it will be the case that the day he comes out of surgery i will be dumping a tray of sandwiches on him and going to work , what else can i do lose my job ???

Did you ask for the leave in enough time? There are usually rules about the amount of notice you have to give. If the problem is cover, can you not talk to your colleagues and see if people can switch shifts with you or something - managers can sometimes be persuaded if you offer then a solution.