Quick advice please

[strawberryblondebint]

I work for local government. I have never had a day off sick a year and a half. My 2 year old caught a vomiting bug on sun night. I therefore couldn't send her to the childminder and phoned my boss and told her. Luckily I have flexi and plan to use those hours to cover my absence. However she was still being sick last night and therefore cannot go to her childminder today. I spoke to my boss again and explained I could not come in today. I asked of I could make up the hours or if I could take unpaid leave. To complicate matters I have a days annual leave tomorrow which I still want to take. She seems to be suggesting I cancel this leave (which I need) and use it today. I have 3 other holiday days left but I need these for the xmas period. Am I being totally unreasonable in asking to be unpaid for today and take my booked day off for tomorrow. She seems to doubt the existence of dependent leave and is away to consult her senior. Help.

If your 2 year old was still sick last night she will need to be off the childminders for 48 hours before returning, so today & tomorrow anyway

Well I can see her point of view thinking it would be a good idea to move your holiday to today.

You are entitled to emergency dependents leave, this is usually unpaid but working in local government you should have a policy about it, which will specify whether there is any paid entitlement for you. I know some public sector organisations do have that.

Emergency dependents leave is to deal with unforeseen circumstances. She might try and argue that because your child was ill the previous day and the childminder presumably has a 48hr d&v rule, you should have known on Sunday night that you would need alternative care for Monday and Tuesday at least. However I think that would be a little harsh, so you should be able to take today unpaid.

Thanks flowery. I think she feels I have had my day off for looking after my toddler. To be honest I would rather have been off work. Dependents leave policy suggests payment is at the discretion of my line manager and unpaid shouldn't be an issue. I just don't feel I should have to give up my one days holiday. I could have fibbed and said I had the bug too and been paid but I am honest. In my section people take sick days and then come in and work overtime regularly. I come in early every day and work hard. I am going to push for unpaid leave.

Are you a single parent? If not could your partner take a days dependants leave?

Partner had to go to work today as he is a key holder. Normally we would split it although this is the first time I have had 2 days off. Previously I use flexi for the odd leave early half day etc. got a copy of the policy emailed to me. Looks like I can ask to make the time up which is no issue or take it unpaid. I will see what happens.