Time off for dependants
The law gives you the right to a reasonable amount of time off work to deal with emergencies involving your dependants.
This is sometimes referred to as compassionate leave. The law does not, however, give you the right to be paid for that time off.
This is a day-one right, so you can request time off for dependants, even if you only recently started the job.
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Who is considered a dependant?
According to the law, your dependants include your parents, spouse/civil partner and children.
Other relatives, friends or unrelated people who live in your home as family are also considered your dependants. This would include a grandparent or other relative who lives in the family home and also includes unmarried/same-sex partners. It does not apply to someone in a commercial relationship with you, such as a live-in employee, lodger or tenant.
Others who ‘reasonably’ depend on your help in case of an emergency also qualify as your dependants. For example, an elderly or disabled neighbour whose usual care arrangements have fallen through and may require your help.
Situations that qualify for time off
You can take time off for dependants to deal with an emergency. Examples of unplanned emergencies include:
- the illness or injury of a dependant;
- the death of a dependant;
- the failure of the usual carer to arrive for work;
- your child’s school closes unexpectedly;
- when a dependant goes into labour.
As well as dealing with the emergency, you can also request time off to make arrangements related to the emergency such as:
- arranging and attending a dependant’s funeral;
- arranging long-term care for an injured or ill dependant.
Situations that do not qualify for time off
Your employer may allow time off for other emergencies but there are some situations that your employer does not have to give you time off for, including:
- dealing with emergencies involving your home (such as fire, flooding, burglary or a broken boiler);
- taking your dependants to planned medical appointments;
- dealing with the illness or injury of a pet;
- personal crises (such as relationship problems).
How much time can you take off?
The law states that the amount of time granted to an employee to deal with emergencies involving dependants must be ‘reasonable’.
Your employer should have a written policy regarding leave or it may be specified in your employment contract.
If you think that your employer has unreasonably refused to permit you to take time off you may be able to make a complaint to an employment tribunal.
If you believe this situation applies to you, you should talk to your UNISON rep immediately to avoid missing a time limit. The current time limit for tribunal claims is three months less one day. However this is due to increase from October 2026 to six months less one day.
Frequently asked questions
However, your employer may take into account previous periods of time off for dependants when considering whether your most recent request is reasonable and therefore whether or not to grant it.
However, many employers do pay for a certain number of days off for dependants per year.
Ask your branch if there is a local or national agreement entitling you to paid time off for dependants.
Legal disclaimer
The information contained within this article is not a complete or final statement of the law and is based on the laws of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
While UNISON has sought to ensure that the information is accurate and up to date, it is not responsible and will not be held liable for any inaccuracies and their consequences, including any loss arising from relying on this information. If you are a UNISON member with a legal problem, please contact your branch or region as soon as possible for advice, or for non-employment matters call UNISONdirect.