Compassionate leave covers bereavement of a close family member such as a partner, parent or child. It also covers where a member of staff is solely responsible for making the funeral arrangements if the relationship is more distant. It is granted according to the circumstances.
Leave amount
Paid leave of up to 5 working days per annum (pro-rata for part time staff).
If more time off is needed after the initial agreed period of compassionate leave, there is no automatic right to extend this to the full five days. Other options may be considered and discussed with the employee. This may include, for example, annual leave or unpaid leave.
Requesting compassionate leave
You must notify your line manager as soon as is reasonably practicable if you need to request compassionate leave. You should inform them of the reason for your absence and how long you expect to be away.
Your line manager will update your absence records on your behalf.
Time off to attend a funeral may be agreed at your line manager’s discretion based on operational arrangements and the closeness of the relationship with the deceased.
Further advice is available from the Staff Hub.