Time off work for step parent dying 8 August 2022 at 7:44PM in Employment, jobseeking & training 4 replies 563 views

DanS1

On Saturday morning, I received the terrible news my step mother had died. Was not entirely unexpected as she's been ill for a while, but still upsetting. I've been off work today due to moving house (which has just added to the stress) and could really do with a couple of more days off for grieving. What is the legal process for time off work when a step parent dies? As I'll need to let work know in the morning what my plan is.

74jax

It will be completely company dependant. Look at your staff handbook or intranet and see what Bereavement Leave you are entitled too. You may want to keep some for the funeral too. 

Undervalued

DanS1 said:

On Saturday morning, I received the terrible news my step mother had died. Was not entirely unexpected as she's been ill for a while, but still upsetting. I've been off work today due to moving house (which has just added to the stress) and could really do with a couple of more days off for grieving. What is the legal process for time off work when a step parent dies? As I'll need to let work know in the morning what my plan is.

There is no legal right to so called compassionate leave. It would be a rare employer that doesn't allow at least some but it is entirely down to the firm's policy.

The legal entitlement is to "short" periods of unpaid leave for emergency situations with dependents. However, sadly but obviously, once somebody has died they can no longer be dependent.

TELLIT01

Only the employer can answer that question.  You need to call them and let them know the situation.  Many employers are supportive and sympathetic when a close relative dies, but not all.  Be prepared to either use annual leave entitlement or take unpaid time off.

TBagpuss

I'm sorry for your loss. As others have said, there's no legal right so it is down to your employer's policies. 
Many will offer a short period of compassionate leave and may let you take additional time either as unpaid leave or to use part of your holiday entitlement. 
DIfferent organisations will have different policies and different definitions of who is classed as family / close relative which may affect whatthey offer.