Compassionate Leave

In the event of the death of an immediate family member (spouse, civil partner, partner, parent, child, sibling or grandparent), you should contact your Line Manager to request compassionate leave as soon as reasonably practicable. The amount of leave granted will depend on your circumstances and your manager will take into account your relationship with the deceased, domestic responsibilities and travel requirements.

In the case of the death of another close relative (who is not your dependant), for example an aunt, uncle, cousin or parent-in-law, or a close friend, you may request unpaid leave to attend the funeral.

Compassionate leave is also available to take care of a dependant or to come to terms with severe personal problems or the injury or critical illness of an immediate family member.

You should inform your manager of the need to take compassionate leave as soon as reasonably practicable. You will normally be able to request to take a maximum of 5 days’ unpaid compassionate leave in a 12-month period. If you wish to take further leave, you should request annual leave in the usual way.