Bereavement leave

[User198724]

I’m not sure if I’m being unreasonable here so would love some opinions.

My dad passed away after a long illness, during the last few months I have taken a lot of time off to help him and take him to appointments.

My work were really flexible during this time but now that dad has passed they are asking me to only have this week off, and go back for the days next week preceding his funeral.

I’m really struggling with losing my dad, especially after an exhausting few months, and am not sure I am able to work before the funeral.

Would it be reasonable to get a medical certificate and take the full 2 weeks? We are extremely busy and understaffed but I did give them months of warning that this was inevitable.

Sorry for your loss. Under the current climate I think you should work as much as you can for the time being. The world has been tipped upside down.

Also it might be a bit unreasonable to ask for a medical certificate when gps are already stretched

My GP signed me off for three weeks no question after my mother died (and had a minor rant about businesses not understanding how grief can affect people.) But they were different times...

Different times for sure!

Ordinarily, I'd say yes, absolutely not unreasonable to be signed off.

However, the awful reality is that a lot of the population could suffer a family bereavement over the coming weeks and months. As an employer, if your staff all take extra time off, combined with self isolation, reduced cash flow/customers.... it's placing more and more strain on the business.

Be honest with your employer, say you really appreciate the flex they've given you and could you maybe try to do a little work as and when you feel up to it, but not commit to a full time return. A day here and there could make all the difference and may even help you escape your grief, albeit temporarily.

I'm sorry for your loss, take care xx

Take the time off. This is a major life loss. You need the time.