partner is due for an operation

dava123

My partner is going for an operation, I am a night shift worker and have 3 children oldest is 14 and youngest is 9 of age. Am I entitled to time of work due to looking after my children? If so how long for and is there any other benefits I due to me as I am the only source of income in my family. We are council tenants and my partner receives work tax credit off my wage.I have been in my job for 6 years and what are my employment rights to take time off to care for her?
Many thanks.
Dave.

benefitbaby

The short answer is no you do not have a statutory right to time off from work, your contract of employment (or your terms and conditions) may give you a contractual right to time off alternatively you could seek to take some holiday time.

If your partner has been working for the last few years then they might be eligible to claim contribtuions-based Employment & Support Allowance (entitlement to this is not means-tested so your wages and tax credits will not be taken into account) if they haven't worked in the last few years then income-based ESA may be payable however this is unlikely given that you are earning and this is topped-up by tax credits.

Ultimately there may be no additional benefits available and you will need to talk/negotiate with your employer for some paid/unpaid time off.