Definition
Paid or unpaid time off granted to employees to deal with personal emergencies or bereavement, such as the death or serious illness of a close family member. Compassionate leave is separate from bereavement leave and time off for dependants.
UK Context
There is no statutory right to paid compassionate leave in the UK (beyond bereavement leave for parents who lose a child and the right to time off for dependants). However, many employers offer contractual compassionate leave as part of their benefits package. The amount of leave and whether it is paid varies between employers and is typically set out in the employee handbook.
Best Practices
- Establish a clear compassionate leave policy specifying entitlement, eligibility, and how to request leave
- Apply the policy consistently while allowing managers discretion for exceptional circumstances
- Consider offering compassionate leave for events beyond immediate family, such as close friends or extended family
Frequently Asked Questions
Is compassionate leave a legal right in the UK?
There is no general statutory right to compassionate leave. However, employees have a right to reasonable unpaid time off for dependants in emergencies under the Employment Rights Act 1996, and parents who lose a child have a right to two weeks of bereavement leave. Any additional compassionate leave is at the employer's discretion.
How much compassionate leave should employers offer?
There is no standard amount. Many employers offer three to five days of paid compassionate leave for the death of an immediate family member, with shorter periods for other situations. Best practice is to be flexible and consider individual circumstances.