"Emergency Dependant's Leave"

SarEl

HurdyGurdy wrote: »

I am the grandparent of the child in this case, and the father didn't ask his employer for the time off. He made his own arrangements, which the child's mother is not happy about. She feels he should have taken the time off to care for the child, but he said that he doesn't have emergency dependent's leave written into his contract, so couldn't.

I can see both sides in this case.

Ah. Yes. Enough said. Best not to get involved. The father didn't have to do anything other than he did. If the mother isn't happy, then she must make her own arrangements. Yes, I know... But this is the complicated life of modern families. This isn't law - nobody can make him take time off and that is what she is asking him to do. Me... I will slink off quietly left stage if you don't mind. I suggest you do the same...

HurdyGurdy

I will follow you quietly SarEl (not pursued by a bear though ).

I am determined not to get drawn into this one, because as I said above, I can see both sides.

I just wanted to know if it was a universal thing, or if it had to be specifically written into a contract of employment.

getmore4less

The law has been explained.

Seems he did the right thing arranged cover and even better managed that without time off.

It might be worth him approaching the employer for their view on this and how flexable they would be to time off or short notice holiday so he knows the options should something similar happen again(keep it to himself).

Between them they need to have a backup should both of them be unavailable.

SarEl

getmore4less wrote: »

The law has been explained.

Seems he did the right thing arranged cover and even better managed that without time off.

It might be worth him approaching the employer for their view on this and how flexable they would be to time off or short notice holiday so he knows the options should something similar happen again(keep it to himself).

Between them they need to have a backup should both of them be unavailable.

Seems like excellent advice. Judging by the current state of play, you may wish to consider delivering it by postcard when you are out of the country

blckbrd

As an aside to the employment side of things OP, unless daddy has parental responsibility, am not sure if he can legally organise someone else to look after the child without mummy's express permission. Equally mummy may not necessarily be able to dictate that he must care for the child. Though I can imagine the fallout that may arise. Maybe daddy needs to explore that.

paddedjohn

blckbrd wrote: »

As an aside to the employment side of things OP, unless daddy has parental responsibility, am not sure if he can legally organise someone else to look after the child without mummy's express permission. Equally mummy may not necessarily be able to dictate that he must care for the child. Though I can imagine the fallout that may arise. Maybe daddy needs to explore that.

Mummy???? Daddy??? How old do you think the OP is?

Uncertain

HurdyGurdy wrote: »

I am the grandparent of the child in this case, and the father didn't ask his employer for the time off. He made his own arrangements, which the child's mother is not happy about. She feels he should have taken the time off to care for the child, but he said that he doesn't have emergency dependent's leave written into his contract, so couldn't.

I can see both sides in this case.

When you say you can see both sides I'm note sure if you are referring to between the parents or to the father / employer.

The point about not having emergency leave written into his contract is irrelevant. Either he doesn't know this (which is quite possible, there are many popular myths about employment!) or he is simply making an excuse.

What is actually more relevant is what his employers attitude would be. As I mentioned, some can be very flexible and understanding whereas with others it is a battle to get even the minimum legal entitlement which, as we have indicated, doesn't go very far.

I remember that two friends of mine, when they had young children, had wildly differing views of what was acceptable childcare. One, to be honest, was only really comfortable doing it themselves. The other was always calling on child minders, friends, relations and neighbours! We could debate what is right but if you opt for the first approach it is not really fair on your employer and many will not be very tolerant.

SarEl

blckbrd wrote: »

As an aside to the employment side of things OP, unless daddy has parental responsibility, am not sure if he can legally organise someone else to look after the child without mummy's express permission.

If "daddy" doesn't have parental responsibility, then the question is moot - "daddy" also doesn't qualify for parental leave.

Sambucus_Nigra

blckbrd wrote: »

As an aside to the employment side of things OP, unless daddy has parental responsibility, am not sure if he can legally organise someone else to look after the child without mummy's express permission. Equally mummy may not necessarily be able to dictate that he must care for the child. Though I can imagine the fallout that may arise. Maybe daddy needs to explore that.

I must say I have rarely seen a more obnoxious post [barring my own of course :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:]. I wouldn't even use this language with 5 year olds.