Compassionate Leave In The UK
Life is unpredictable, and at times, personal emergencies can require our immediate attention. Compassionate leave is one such provision in the workplace, which allows employees to take time off during these difficult moments. Whether it's the loss of a loved one or needing to care for a sick family member, compassionate leave provides an opportunity for the workforce to attend to their personal needs while maintaining their professional responsibilities.
Compassionate Leave vs Bereavement Leave
Though often used interchangeably, compassionate leave and bereavement leave differ in scope. Bereavement leave specifically caters to employees dealing with the loss of a loved one. On the other hand, compassionate leave extends to include situations where employees need time off to care for a dependant or sick family member.
Your Entitlement to Compassionate Leave
In the UK, there isn't a specified legal requirement for employers to provide a set duration of compassionate leave or bereavement leave. The provision and duration of these leaves depend on the company's policies and the stipulations in the employee's contract.
However, under the Employment Rights Act 1996, employees have the right to a "reasonable" amount of time off to handle emergencies involving a dependant, including bereavement. This "reasonable" duration can vary depending on individual circumstances.
Moreover, the loss of a child under 18 years or a stillbirth after 24 weeks of pregnancy entitles employees to Parental Bereavement Leave.
Understanding Parental Bereavement Leave
Introduced in 2020 under the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Act 2018, Parental Bereavement Leave provides support to employees grieving the loss of a child or dealing with a stillbirth. This policy allows employees to take two weeks of leave, either continuously or as two separate blocks of one week each.
Parental Bereavement Leave is paid at the statutory rate of pay, £156.66 per week as of December 2022, or 90% of the employee's average weekly earnings, whichever is lower.
To be eligible for this leave, employees must have a tenure of at least 26 weeks with their current employer and must provide proof of the child's death.
Payment During Compassionate Leave
It's important to note that employers in the UK are not legally bound to pay employees while they're on compassionate leave. The remuneration during this period will depend on the terms of the employment contract and the employer's policies. Certain companies may offer paid compassionate leave, while others may permit employees to utilise their personal or holiday days.
Requesting Compassionate Leave
If you need to request compassionate leave, it is important to communicate your request clearly to your employer. Here are some points you may want to include in your letter or email requesting compassionate leave:
- The purpose of your request: Explain that you are requesting compassionate leave due to the death of a family member or close relative, or to look after a dependent or sick family member.
- The length of leave you are requesting: Specify the number of days or weeks of leave you are requesting.
- The timing of your leave: Indicate when you would like to start your leave and when you expect to return to work.
- Any other relevant information: If you have any other relevant information, you may want to include this in your letter.
- A statement of appreciation: It is always a good idea to express appreciation for your employer's understanding and support during this difficult time.
Template for Requesting Compassionate Leave
*Dear [Employer's Name],
I am writing to request compassionate leave due to the recent [death/illness] of my [relation], [name]. I am seeking [number of days/weeks] leave, beginning from [start date] to [end date].
I understand the challenges this might pose for the company, and I truly appreciate your understanding during this difficult time. Please let me know if I can assist in any way during my absence.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards, [Your Name]*
In Conclusion
It's crucial for employees to understand their rights regarding compassionate and bereavement leave. Despite the lack of explicit legal requirements, these provisions are key to maintaining a balance between personal emergencies and professional commitments.
Remember, compassionate leave includes time off for taking care of a dependant or sick family member, while bereavement leave specifically caters to grieving employees. It's also vital to understand that employers in the UK aren't legally bound to provide paid compassionate leave, and it can differ based on company policies.
Knowing and understanding these rights can go a long way in ensuring peace of mind during life's most challenging moments.
For additional information, we encourage you to visit the UK Government's information page here.
Remember, it's okay to take a step back during hard times and take care of yourself and your loved ones. Your well-being matters.