How to get leave from work following a partners hospital admission

[crp2021]

My partner was admitted to hospital last week and has an initial diagnosis of encephalitis which has caused an acute psychotic episode, he is very paranoid and his parents and I have to be by his side 24 hours a day, the doctors are hopeful for a full recovery but the next few months may be slow and it’s hard to say but can’t see myself being able to return to work for perhaps a month, I’m just worried about the logistics, will it be unpaid leave or can I ask for compassionate leave or sick leave even though I’m not the one who is sick? any advice would be appreciated!

[Marnie22]

Hi. There are two helplines that I think could give you relevant advice; Headway and Scope. Headway usually know everything regarding this type of issue. Scope are particularly good on legal matters and people's rights.

Headway: 0808 800 2244

Scope: 0808 800 3333

Sending my very best wishes.

[Exhaust]

When my daughter was in hospital following a RTA I had 10 mths off work . I was signed off by my doctor it fidnt come under compassionate leave i think it was unfit to work . Dont let work insist you go unpaid !!

[moo196]

It will most likely be down to the individual employer. I think you'd be best to contact them and ask them, then call the Headway helpline as mentioned.

Good luck

[Dvorak]

See what policy your work has for caring responsibilities and if not talk to your GP as mentioned above. Good luck

[Pairofboots]

Hi crp, the previous responses are all options, the helplines, speaking to your GP.

Under employment legislation it is at the discretion of the employer if compassionate leave is applicable. Look at the leave policy, if it doesn't appear in this policy, then it may be covered in the disciplinary policy.

Compassionate leave is granted at the discretion of the employer, but generally will only be for a brief period of possibly five days. You may be allowed to take annual leave, but this will be less any leave already taken within the calendar year, and usually to a maximum of your entitlement, although some may allow a period from the next calendar year to be used. This is generally subject to your contract of employment, and at the discretion of the employer.

There is leave of absence, but this is also a discretionary allowance, and does mean that you are not paid.

A friendly GP may feel that the situation constitutes an extraordinarily high stress event that would make you unfit to perform your job. This does have financial implications subject to policy, and will account for any sickness you may have had to date, or subsequent sickness you may take later. This usually allows upto six months at full pay, reducing to half pay from six months, and eventually nil pay. This is bound by legislation because it also involves "in employment benefits", statutory sick pay, claimed by your employer, and employment and support allowance, claimed by yourself.

I would speak to the Headway helpline, before taking any definite path, as they can offer you support. Contact details are pinned to this page.

I wish your partner and yourself well 🍀

[Sassybeing_1]

You can tell the honest and truth answer to your boss. your partner do need you and it's a hard time going right now i'm sure he/she would understand

[iforget]

I would definitely get some "proper " expert advice on this one as employment issues can be complicated and will depend on organisational policy. . When your partner comes out of hospital you may need time off even more - in hospital he has 24 hour care but at home it will be different.- so I would choose very carefully where to spend any goodwill your employer may extend. Is working from home a possibility and is it something you could do bedside? Would reduced hours be an option to allow you to spend time at the hospital and at work and still have time to sleep... because if you spread yourself too thinly you will eventually crash and burn.

I really hope you can get something sorted out...this is obviously a very worrying time.

[sealiphone]

ACAS has a good basic guide, regarding entitlement.

acas.org.uk/absence-from-wo...

[New_beginning]

Ask your line manager to make referral to occupational health/HR regarding your situation. My GP signed me off, we expected it to be a year and my GP said if longer they would deal with my employers, but in all I was off for 6months exact in total with my husband.