CS - What happens if I cant get back for work due to the current conflict/flights

[Redtrainseat]

Im currently on holiday and my flights home this week are likely to be cancelled as I've a stop in Dubai, I cant get a direct flight home. Im a civil servant, would I have to take annual leave if I cant get back for when im due back to work, or is there some special leave provision?

I'm not sure about the civil service but a colleague in a local government role was able to take unpaid leave (rather than annual leave) when the family was stuck abroad for a few days - I think it might have been the Icelandic volcano.

It depends on your employer, but you would probably take unpaid leave and claim the loss of earnings on your travel insurance. If your travel insurance doesn't cover it then taking holiday would mean you get paid.

There is special leave which you can use for a variety of things- to attend a funeral, jury service etc. I can't recall but I think its X days in a 2yr rolling period with the option for more days off in exceptional circumstances. I'd 'think' any additional leave you need would come out of this allowance, unless the CS set up something specific for people in your situation.

So you aren't IN Dubai, but your flight would just stop there? Depending where in the world you are, there would be other flight options to get back, avoiding the middle east, but I have no idea whether the airline would reimburse for those costs.

I don’t think special leave covers this situation, but depends how flexible your management are. I’d be tempted to just not record it as anything if just 2-3 days so you’re paid and don’t use AL, or maybe split it half / half. Difficult situation. I’d say some discretion would be welcomed.