benefits while looking after a spouse (temporary)

Horlock

Are there any short term benefits available while off work to look after a spouse?

From what I can tell there is provision (ie the employer must permit) you not to work in order to look after after a spouse (or indeed a child) in an emergency, however, the employer does not pay you during this time, now obviously if it is only a day then that is not (too much of) a problem. But once the perod goes beyond a week, I imagine this does become a serious problem for most. I was wondering whether there is any state provision in this instance (obviously if you are a long term official carer there is provision).

pmlindyloo

Horlock wrote: »

Are there any short term benefits available while off work to look after a spouse?

From what I can tell there is provision (ie the employer must permit) you not to work in order to look after after a spouse (or indeed a child) in an emergency, however, the employer does not pay you during this time, now obviously if it is only a day then that is not (too much of) a problem. But once the perod goes beyond a week, I imagine this does become a serious problem for most. I was wondering whether there is any state provision in this instance (obviously if you are a long term official carer there is provision).

As you know time off work when a spouse/child is ill and it is an emergency should be given by an employer but may not be paid unless your contract allows it.

In general terms time might be allowed for an emergency but you would be expected to make other arrangements if it was too long term.

If it wasn't an emergency then an employer could expect you to use holiday to cover this.

As far as I am aware there are no specific benefits to cover temporary care.

However, how long is temporary? If you are happy to give further information we may be able to suggest other things.