If someone close to you has died unexpectedly, you may require time away from work to grieve and attend to funeral arrangements. This guide will cover all you need to know about the UK bereavement leave method, how it is paid, who the entitlement is for, and what it is.
Bereavement leave, is an extension of time off work granted to individuals who have recently lost a loved one. It provides employees with time to grieve and deal with bereavement-related issues, such as planning for a funeral or attending one.
Bereavement Leave UK
Bereavement leave, or โbereaved leave,โ is an employer-provided benefit that allows employees to take time off in the event of the death of a family member or friend. The loss of a loved one can result in emotional distress that impairs your capacity to perform well at work. Employer rules on bereavement vary. Bereavement leave may qualify as paid leave in some scenarios but may be unpaid in others. Ascertain that you understand and inquire about your employerโs leave rules.
How long is bereavement leave?
Because federal law does not force companies to provide bereavement leave, the length of the leave is entirely up to you and your employer. Numerous firms with bereavement leave policies provide approximately three days of paid absence for each death. Certain employer policies may grant a specified number of days for immediate family members such as parents or siblings, but fewer days for extended family members, such as aunts, uncles, or grandparents.
Why do employers offer bereavement leave?
A company that offers bereavement leave may appear more appealing to you and other employees than one that does not, as it recognizes its employeesโ emotional well-being. Employers recognize the need to balance work responsibilities with personal circumstances.
When can I use bereavement leave?
Bereavement time is most frequently useful when a close relative or a direct family member dies. Certain employers will permit you to take an absence in the event of the death of a close friend or even a pet. Numerous businesses have understood the importance of being sensitive and adaptable, as grief manifests itself in a number of ways.
Is bereavement leave required by law?
Employers are not in agreement to provide bereavement leave under federal law or the majority of state laws. As a result, it is frequently something that you and your employer discuss. Numerous businesses adopt leave policies to define expectations for what to do in the event of an employeeโs death or a loved one. These policies give a framework within which companies can use the flexibility necessary to address particular circumstances. For example, you may be allowed to request extended time if you are dealing with difficult family circumstances or other problems.
Am I eligible for bereavement leave?
Your right to take time off work is contingent on you informing your employer of the reason for your absence as soon as reasonably possible.
- You must also tell them how long you intend to be away from work.
- You do not have to notify them in writing.
- You do need to provide them with enough information to determine whether you are entitled to the time off under your statutory rights.
Under the Employment Rights Act of 1996, most employees are entitled to a โreasonableโ amount of unpaid time off to deal with unforeseen matters and emergencies involving a dependent or immediate family member, including taking leave from work to arrange or attend a funeral.
A โdependantโ is defined by law as your spouse or civil partner, child, parent, or anyone living in the same household (unless they are an employee, tenant, or lodger), as well as someone who relies on you to make care arrangements for them. It could also be someone who typically relies on you for care or assistance in an emergency, such as an elderly neighbor.
If the deceased is not a dependent or a member of your immediate family, you have no specific rights. It is up to your employer whether they will allow you to take leave, so speak with them, as the death of a close friend or member of your chosen family may still qualify for bereavement leave from work.
The Advisory, Conciliation, and Arbitration Service (ACAS) has more help and advice on taking leave after a bereavement.
How long can I take off work following a bereavement?
There is no set legal amount of time off work after someoneโs death. Employers typically give three to five days, but each organisation has different policies and/or exercises discretion differently.
If your employer has a bereavement or compassionate leave policy, it should specify your entitlement. If they do not have a policy, it is up to them to decide how reasonable they will be.
Your employer must treat all employees consistently and may be bound by previous customs and practices. In some cases, you may be asked to use a portion of your holiday allowance.
Because peopleโs time off is often limited, you may have to make difficult decisions in the run-up to someoneโs death. With limited time off from work, it can be difficult to spend time with your loved one at the end.
This can exacerbate the stress and anxiety associated with dealing with the death of a loved one. Most hospices have a social worker who can assist you with financial concerns and may be able to help you plan how you can afford to take the time you require.
What happens if I need more time off work to grieve?
You might be relieved to return to work because it provides a distraction and a way to pass the time. However, you may not feel ready to return to work. Again, it is up to your employer to decide how much leave to offer you and whether to extend it.
If you feel you require more time than your employer has provided, you can apply to use some of your annual leave.
The immediate aftermath of a friend or relativeโs death may not be the only time you feel the need for time off. Most people who are grieving for a friend or relative find it extremely difficult to work on specific dates, such as birthdays and anniversaries.
Some employers may allow you to take additional compassionate leave during these times, but it is also common for people to use these days for sick leave.
Will I be paid for my bereavement leave?
You have no statutory right to be compensated for any time you take off around the time or after your friend or relative dies. However, many companies do provide some paid bereavement leave, so itโs worth reviewing your employment contract and your companyโs compassionate leave policy, if one exists.
Unfortunately, if you are employed, you may find that you cannot afford to take the necessary time off. Furthermore, if you are self-employed, you will be unable to take any paid time off. If this is the case, most hospices have a social worker who can assist you with financial issues and determine what bereavement benefits you are eligible for, or you can contact Citizens Advice.
How To Inform Your Employer About A Death
You must notify your employer if someone close to you has died. This includes informing either your line manager, the HR department, or both. If you donโt want to talk about it in person or over the phone, email or text them instead.
It may be useful to notify your workplace when you will be in touch again or when you are comfortable for them to contact you. Most employers will try to help you as much as possible, but they may not know how often or how little to contact you unless you tell them.
You could also discuss whether you want to share the news with other colleagues in your team or across the organisation, as well as whether you want to be contacted while youโre away from work.
Be honest about what feels right for you, and donโt be afraid to change your mind after your bereavement.
What if my employer refuses to give me time off from work?
We hope your employer understands what you are going through. If your employer refuses to give you time off, you can file an informal grievance. Citizens Advice, the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS), and your union (if you belong to one) can all help you with this.
Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay
If your child dies before the age of 18, or if you have a stillbirth after 24 weeks of pregnancy, you and your partner may be eligible for time off work.
The death or stillbirth must have occurred before or after:
- 6th April 2020 if you are employed in England, Scotland, or Wales.
- If you work in Northern Ireland, you will be eligible on April 6, 2022.
- You may be eligible if you were:
The biological or adoptive parent, surrogate parent, or the childโs partner.
Unless a contact order is in place, you will not be eligible for Parental Bereavement Leave or Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay as the childโs or babyโs biological parent following an adoption or parental order.
GOV.UK also provides advice on your eligibility if you had day-to-day responsibility for the child or baby but were not their biological parent.
Parental Bereavement Leave
If you are eligible, you may take two weeksโ leave beginning on the first day of work for each child who died or was stillborn. It makes no difference how long youโve worked for your current employer.
You could take:
- Two weeks together.
- Two separate weeks of leave.
- Only one weekโs leave.
- A week is the same number of days as you typically work in a week.
What does a typical bereavement leave policy include?
According to the Society for Human Resource Management, a standard bereavement leave policy will include the following sections:
1. Objective: This section explains why the policy exists and what the organization aims to accomplish on behalf of its employees.
2. Eligibility: The policy should specify who is eligible for bereavement leave. For example, the employer may limit coverage to full-time employees or to situations involving the death of an immediate relative.
3. Procedures: This section of the bereavement leave policy should explain how you and other employees can request leave and provide information about the potential benefits.
4. Scope: Bereavement leave policies should also specify whether or not in-payment leave can be turned into unpaid leave and how to do so. Understanding your companyโs rules enables you to make informed decisions and plan for the future.
Who is considered a family member?
This is typically characterized as a husband, partner, kid, parent, brother, sister, grandparent, aunt/uncle, niece/nephew; or any relative of the employee. However, the rules are not well in detail, which means that the loss of someone who is not a member of your immediate family; such as a friend, may be considered grounds for granting bereavement leave.
How much time off can I take?
There is no fixed amount of time that an employer should allow for bereavement leave; and it is typically granted at the employerโs discretion, based on the circumstances.
Some will stipulate a specific amount of days, while others will decide on an individual basis. On average, firms will permit between two and five days. This enables the employee to deal with an unexpected emergency, as well as plan and attend a funeral.
What if I need more time off?
Whether you can extend your leave beyond the standard amount will again depend on your employer and personal circumstances. If you require more time than is permitted; always speak directly to your companyโs human resources department to determine what additional options are available.
Will my bereavement leave run out?
Bereavement/compassionate leave is distinct from other types of leave, and does not accumulate or formally โrun out.โ
Will I be required to show evidence?
Certain employers may request proof of the basis for the employeeโs bereavement vacation, but this must be a fair request. This could be an obituary or a notice of death or funeral. Your employment contract will specify if you are required to supply these documents.
Bereavement Leave Entitlement
To qualify for the leave, an employee must meet one of the following conditions, regardless of their type of employment:
- Having worked for the employer for a continuous period of six months
- Having worked for the company for a minimum of six months at an average of ten hours per week, or a minimum of one hour per week or forty hours per month
Employees may take the leave in the event of the loss of a close family member. The term โimmediate family memberโ encompasses a variety of relationships:
- Infant
- Great-grandchild
- Grandfather or grandmother
- Guardian
- Brother or sister
- Associate
- The parent of the partner
Is Bereavement Leave Paid
Employers provide both paid and unpaid leaves. Some businesses provide a few days of bereavement compensation, while others do not yet nevertheless allow you to take time off work. Some may offer a combination of the two if you have used all of your allotted mourning days but still require further time. If your organization does not have a bereavement program, consider expressing your requirements with your supervisor. It may allay any concerns regarding job security.
How do I ask for bereavement leave?
With a simple email or message to human resources, you may be able to request for the leave. Certain businesses may require you to complete a form. Generally, taking a vacation is as simple as maintaining open contact with your superiors and human resources. You must inform your employer of the situation and the anticipated length of your absence.
Will I have to provide proof of death?
Employers may want proof of your loss, such as an obituary or funeral program. While this may seem excessive, keep in mind that your employer wants to ensure that no one abuses the bereavement leave policy, since this could make it more difficult for those who legitimately require the leave in the future.
Whatโs the difference between bereavement leave and compassionate leave?
In general, bereavement leave and compassionate leave are synonymous. In other countries, such as the United Kingdom, the terms may have a distinct legal meaning. Compassionate leave is a policy that permits you to take time off for non-death-related reasons, such as caring for a sick kid or attending to an urgent family situation.
What if my employer does not offer bereavement leave?
If your workplace does not have a clear policy regarding bereavement leave, you may still be permitted to take time off in the event of a loved oneโs death. Alternatively, some employers may request that you take time off in accordance with the companyโs sick leave rules. Certain employees may seek leave under the Family and Medical Absence Act (FMLA), which allows for unpaid leave in certain limited circumstances. However, the FMLA does not normally allow for bereavement leave. Employees may, however, request unpaid leave under the FMLA in order to care for a family member who is ill.
Conclusion
Finally, itโs critical to keep in mind that each circumstance is unique. You should never feel compelled to return to work before you are ready. If you believe the bereavement leave you have been granted is insufficient, speak with your employer. Most employers are incredibly understanding in these situations and will gladly provide you with additional time off if necessary.
