Rights for Working Parents and Carers

7. Time off for Dependants

In an emergency, employees are entitled to ask for 'reasonable' time off to care for dependants. You do not have to pay for this time unless your employment contracts state otherwise.

7.1 This is for short-term problem solving rather than continuing care.

• The problem must be unforeseen. For example, sudden illness, or a breakdown of childcare arrangements. Where problems are foreseen, other arrangements should be made.
• The time must be 'reasonable' - one or two days, rather than one or two weeks. In determining what is reasonable, each case must be decided on its own merits.

7.2 The problem must involve dependants.

• This normally means employees' children, parents or other close family members.
• But it might also mean a frail neighbour who is looked after by your employee.

7.3 If you think an employee is abusing the system, you can demand evidence.

• You can refuse permission for time off. Or you can institute disciplinary proceedings. But the employee will then have the right to complain to an employment tribunal.