Time off from work due to bereavement

[LindorDoubleChoc]

My mother died unexpectedly this week. I might not need to take much time off work to deal with the practicalities (I work 24 hours over 4 days so in theory can work around work for arranging the funeral and dealing with her affairs) but am I entitled to some time off simply because I am bereaved? I work for a very small firm (12 employees) so I suspect things are rather different than if I worked for a large corporation with established employee rules and rights.

You could be entitled to time off but it may not be paid. Is there anything in the staff handbook/T&Cs?

https://www.acas.org.uk/time-off-for-dependants

I’m sorry to hear of the loss of your mother op, it’s never an easy process at any age/stage.

have you checked your contract? I believe at my place of work we are permitted 3 days for a parent/spouse/child bereavement leave, as well as one day for a funeral. We’re generally strongly encouraged to take ‘as much time’ as we need via sick leave, most GP’s I know would provide a paper for bereavement, but obviously not every job has paid sick leave.

There doesn’t seem to be a legal right to bereavement leave but there’s various forms of leave for dependents, which may not be paid
https://www.gov.uk/time-off-for-dependants

Even in big companies with generous benefits the bereavement leave allowance is appalling. 1 day where I work (for the funeral), with up to 5 days allowed at the manager’s discretion if it is a very close relative AND you have sole responsibility for the funeral arrangements. Most people get signed off sick if they are struggling to cope.

ACAS says there’s no legal right but your employer should show compassion.

If you need time off to cope with the grief as opposed to simply dealing with practicalities, sick leave looks like your best bet.

Most companies only allow a few days but you can take time off sick. You can self certify for the first 5 consecutive days and then you can get a fit note from your GP. This is something your Gp won’t question and they will just do it for you.

Please take time for yourself and don’t under estimate the admin.

Agreed that sick leave is right - most people imo aren't fit to work immediately after a major bereavement.

Compassionate leave is down to individual companies, most will allow you a bit of time paid but it is not a legal obligation for them to do so.
So sorry for your loss

Depends what your contract says. Mine offers two days paid compassionate leave for death of a close relative but after that you'd be expected to take annual leave or sick leave (which can then obviously have implications for your Bradford factor score and could make you vulnerable in the future).