New job- husband had a mental health breakdown.

[cobra76]

Just wondering if anyone has any experience in this area at all to provide some advice. I have only been at my new job 2 weeks now and my husband has been signed off work due to a mental health breakdown today. I am extremely worried about him with me not being there and wondering if it would be appropriate to ask for sick leave to be able to support him and if so how long would be considered ok? I know this could jeopardise my position as still in a probationary period but he will always come first and I’m too scared of him being in his own!

Thank you in advance of any replies!

depends on your employer but it’s not sick leave, it’s compassionate leave until the stress of it makes you unable to work.

ultimately you can just lay all your cards on the table with the new employer and see what they offer, but as a new starter your options are limited.

if you were joining my team I’d try to postpone your start date, pay you the time you’ve worked and say you’ll start proper in a month.

And I’m so sorry - I went straight into work mode when the first thing I should have said was that I hope he recovers soon and is okay!

I'm sorry to hear that. I thought you meant that HE had started a new job then had a breakdown. I agree that this wouldn't be sick leave, because YOU aren't sick! My company offer 'special leave' which could be used for a multitude of reasons, from memory compassionate leave, funeral leave etc. There is a limit per year, but can be extended under exceptional circumstances. Have you checked what your company offer? Are you classed as his carer?

Is he getting any mental health/medical support?
Are there any other family/close friends that could be with him whilst you are working/sorting out leave?
Would you be able to survive on unpaid leave- IF paid leave wasn't an option? I assume that HE would be taking paid sick leave?