Time off for dependents

Who are dependants?

A dependant can be anyone from a partner, spouse, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild or a person who solely depends on you for immediate care. 

 

When can time-off for dependants be claimed & how long does it last? 

Unlike all other leave arrangements, claiming time-off to tend to a dependant has no specified duration or start date. This arrangement is highly dependent on the severity of each individual’s situation and whether or not that situation amounts as ‘reasonable’ enough for leave to be initiated. Please note that persons designated as employees (typically defined as being on the payroll) are eligible for this arrangement. 

Time-off can be taken when an employee is faced with an ‘emergency’. An emergency covers (but is not limited to) the following:

• Injuries or accidents;
• Assault;
• Having a baby;
• Making care arrangements; and
• Tending to child’s school-related problems (i.e., expulsion, fights, suspension).

 

Am I paid during my time off?

Payment during time-off is not an absolute right. In other words, employers can pay their employees during this arrangement. However, they are not obligated to do so. For further clarification as to your entitlements to payment during time-off please refer to your employment contract or company handbook. 

 

What is the correct notice procedure?

Due to the unpredictable nature of emergencies, it is impossible to establish when you will be in one yourself. Although there is no ‘correct’ notice procedure for this particular arrangement, the sooner the employer is informed, the better. Additionally, notice for leave is not required to be in writing. 

 

How we can help

Lestons can intervene if you feel your employer has not given you time off to care for your dependents, in order to act for you we would need you to create a case by clicking the link at the top of this page, activated by the link at the top of the page, should you wish to start a case the caseworker will send you the suitable payment link.

Please note your caseworker can only give generic advice, their role is to prepare your details for handling by our legal team and to act as your point of contact, they will also issue you with your Password and PIN, these will be needed to log onto your client dashboard. From your dashboard you will be able to manage and view every aspect of your case, upload documents, images, files etc.