[Updated 19/03/24] This right takes effect from 06/04/24.

If you have a dependant who requires long-term care, one week’s unpaid leave per year may be requested io either arrange for or to provide the care of your dependant. Long-term care means old age issues, a disability, an illness or injury which will last three months or more.

If you care for more that one dependent, the leave is still limited to one week but the week may be apportioned between your dependants.

The right is available from the first day of employment – there is no minimum continuous service requirement.

Entitlement

The leave period can be from from a half day(s) or whole days or one continuous week. A week is defined as your normal working hours from Sunday to Saturday.

Leave refers to the time you would have been working normally on the chosen date(s) off;
– if your hours vary each week, the entitlement is to the average hours of work i.e. annual hours worked divided by 52;
– if you have been working less than a year, divide the total of the periods for which you are normally required to work in the course of a week by the number of weeks you have been employed in your part year;
– if time off is in the first week you are working, your ‘leave’ hours would be those you would normally have been expected to work that week.

Your manager may postpone the leave but should consult with you to determine the dates of such leave at another time.

Conditions
– Advance notice of the leave must be given – the minimum is three days but if the leave is more than 3 days, you should give twice as long notice as the period of leave to be taken.

– An employer may agree to forgo the right to advance notice.

– No evidence is required to request such leave.

Note see the heading for unpaid leave in urgent domestic circumstances