Time off for family and dependants
What's an emergency?
You could get time off when a dependant is involved in the following emergencies.
Illness, injury or assault
This includes mental or physical illnesses that do not have to be life-threatening or need full-time care - it could be an existing condition that has worsened.
For example, if a dependant is mugged without being physically hurt, you could take time off to comfort or help them.
You can also take time off to arrange longer term care for a dependant.
Having a baby
You could take time off if a dependant goes into labour unexpectedly and they rely on you to take them to the hospital. You cannot take time off for dependants after the birth to care for the child, unless it’s an emergency. However, if you’re the child’s parent you could be entitled to paternity or parental leave.
Disruption of care arrangements
You could get time off if:
- a child minder or carer does not turn up to look after a dependant
- a nursing home or nursery closes unexpectedly
If your child is involved in an incident during school time
You could get time off if your child has been:
- involved in a fight
- injured on a school trip
- suspended from school