Employer allowing time off

[avenueone]

Can anyone help with this please.
Does your employer have to allow you time off to attend a family court hearing? if not, what do you do if you don't have any holidays left or you are due to attend an important work meeting that day - can they sack you if you take the time off?

[Ellypoo]

What does it say in your employment contract? Can you speak to your boss/HR about it?

[olgaga]

Potentially, yes they could - but it would be a pretty hard-hearted employer who would do that unless it comes on the back of a record of poor attendance or unreliability and they're looking for a good excuse to sack you!

As Elly says, the most important thing is your employment contract and whether you can speak to someone about it to explain the importance of your attendance at the court hearing. Take the court documents, and offer to take the time off unpaid or make up the hours if you have no leave left.

How long have you known about it/how much notice are you giving?

How long have you worked for that employer?

[avenueone]

Good point regarding the contract as it does mention time off for a family emergency which you could say this is - I will see what HR say thank you.