husband on a extended paternity leave UNPAID - and now had to go abroad to his mum is had an operation and nearly dying

[Hotpotatofood]

My DH worked full time, 3 weeks ago he started Extended PAternity LEave ( up to the childs 1st birthday) and it is Unpaid. LAst week got phone call from his brother that mother in law had a difficult operation and is not recovering - my DH went there and is already 5 days there - still no signs of recovery... Does he need to contact his employer that in these circumstances it is rather a compassionate leave and not paternity? please share your ideas.

I don't think it makes a difference there is no paid time off for compassionate leave in law and if his pat leave ended he can't restart it he's best leaving it as it is

Agree with Figgygal. Nothing to be gained by telling his employer.

Some employers give a small amount of paid leave for family emergencies like this.

It's unlikely that they will in this case, as he was already taking unpaid leave, but there's no harm in mentioning it.

What's the worst that could happen?

I don't think he does - you wouldn't if you were on maternity leave would you?