Compassionate Leave - how long?

inspiremetosave

Hello,
Is there a general rule as how long you can have off paid if a relative dies? I lost my Grandad today and left work as soon as I heard the news. The problem is that my mom has just had an operation so I will need to make the funeral arrangements etc. I work for a big company and have been there for 2.5 years.
Thanks in advance for any advice.

lil_me

Sorry to hear about loosing your grandfather. Hopefully your employer will be understanding as some only allow compassionate leave for immediate family (parents and children) only. I remember DP having to take a day off sick as employer refused. I don't think there is any set guidleines, for some it is set out in the employment contract.

regularsaver1

I think it is down to the company - have you got a HR guide book?

NAR

Civil Service allow 5 days for the person organising the funeral.

mentaljessie

In the NHS trust where I work it's a max of 3 days, but when a work friend lost her Dad she was allowed to take the rest of as sick which was another 5 days.

Nile

I'm sorry to hear your sad news inspiremetosave.

If I were you, I'd ring my boss tomorrow and explain the circumstances.

I'm sure that your boss will be understanding and appreciate that you'll need time to make the funeral arrangements etc. It's better to talk to the boss and get his/her agreement first, then you won't have to worry about work and can concentrate on your family.;)

Kind Regards

Nile

Savvy_Sue

It might say in your contract. But it might also say things like 'normally', which leaves a little discretion.

Where I used to work it was five days with your line manager's agreement: I used that once to send someone home who was very worried about something. Anything longer than that had to be agreed with HR, and might be unpaid.

It's not unusual for grief to make people unfit for work for longer than a week, depending on personal circumstances, and if you are particularly stressed about things and feel unable to return immediately then it could be worth seeing your GP.

shelly

Sorry to hear about the loss of your Grandad.


When my Nan died I had 2 weeks off. They were both without pay though which didn't bother me.

lumbo_2

My company allows five days paid,but would probaly extend to another 2 or 3 weeks unpaid.Think unless you had an extortionate amount of time off a company would find it difficult to get rid of you in such compassionate circumstances.Its up to your needs wether you could survive with unpaid leave tho.