FAQ on time off for dependents (emergency family leave)

How much notice must I give my employer?
Since this right to time off is meant to help you cope with unpredictable events, you obviously cannot give your employer advance warning, but you do need to tell your employer about your absence as soon as you can, explain the reason for it, and say how long you expect to be off work.

What can I do if my employer refuses time off unreasonably?
If you think this has happened, or that you are being victimised for taking time off in these circumstances, you can make a complaint to an employment tribunal. Usually you must make your complaint within three months of the refusal or being victimised (it’s useful to get the employer’s refusal in writing and/or to keep a note of any victimisation). If the tribunal agrees with your argument, it may ask your employer to pay you compensation.

Further information

• New Ways to Work, 22 Northumberland Avenue, London WC2 5AP has a most useful factsheet Time Off for Dependants and Parental Leave (£2 inc p&p)
• The Equal Opportunities Commission, Overseas House, Quay Street, Manchester M3 3HN (0161 833 9244; fax: 835 1657) has a briefing paper on Parental and Dependency Leave. For equality issues in Northern Ireland check out the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland
• IPPR/ Parental Leave Campaign, 30-32 Southampton Street, London WC2E 7RA (020 7476 6100) publishes Time Off with Children: Paying for Parental Leave (£4.95)
• The Maternity Alliance, 45 Beech Street, London EC2P 2LX (020 7588 8582; fax:7588 8584; email) has useful factsheets: Parental Leave (£1 with sae); Pregnant at Work, 2000 (£1.50 with sae). The Parental Campaign is based at the Beech Street Address
• The Trades Union Congress (TUC)
• The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) publishes booklets and leaflets which are also available on its website under the heading Regulatory Guidance. They can be obtained free from Employment Service Jobcentres or from the DTI Order line (tel: 0870 1502 500). Or you can order them by post from DTI Publications Order line, ADMAIL 528, London SW1W 8YT. Time Off for Dependants: A Short Guide, DTI (Ref: URN 99/1187; Parental Leave: A Short Guide, (Ref: URN 99/1192); Maternity Rights: A Short Guide, DTI (Ref: URN 99/1190); Maternity Rights, DTI (Ref: URN 98/812 (detailed guidance on previous maternity rights)
• The Maternity and Parental Leave Regulations 1999, published by the Stationery Office (0870 600 5522)
• The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Parental Leave Enquiry Line: 020 7215 6207