Am I entitled to compassionate leave?

[StuntNun]

My dad has taken ill and possibly won't pull through. I need to take time off work to go and see him since he lives 200 miles away from me. I work part-time but don't have a contract. Is there any statutory entitlement to compassionate leave in the UK? I've searched online but it's unclear because my dad isn't dependent on me.

I'm sorry about your dad.

There is as far as I'm aware no statutory right to compassionate leave they could ask you to take a/l or if they're decent give you compassionate leave which may be paid or unpaid.

Sorry about your dad.

When you say compassionate leave, do you mean paid leave? I don't think there is.

I think you'll probably need to ask for a few days unpaid leave or emergency annual leave. I'd be really surprised if your employer says no.

Thanks for your replies. It's a great company so I'm sure there will be no problem getting a couple of days of unpaid leave. I just wanted to know whether I was entitled to any compassionate leave before I get in touch with my line manager.

HR manager here.

There is no statutory right for you to have time off for dependants but you are entitled to a reasonable period of unpaid time off for dependants.

Many larger companies have a policy on emergency or compassionate leave so worth checking that out.

If you need paid time off you could ask to use your annual leave if you have any left.

I'm sorry about your Dad x

Thanks Peas; I love your username! My dad isn't dependent on me (he's dependent on my mum) so it looks like I have no entitlement to any leave. I'll get in touch with my line manager and see what he says.