Compassionate Leave?

[muchlovex]

Hello,
A took a few days off work when I found out my dad had cancer for the 4th time. can I ask HR to convert these 2 days off as Compassionate Leave?

TIA

[WendyS]

I suspect that your company will probably have a firm policy on conditions for compassionate leave and whilst it might be prepared to be flexible in the case of a family death, the rediagnosis of a serious illness might not be regarded in the same category. You can always ask, but I suspect that the answer would probably be "No".

[shortstop]

I was in the same boat.

My father was diagnosed and as he lives 150 miles from me and needed help I went down there. The trouble was I only had 2 days left.

My boss said I could take days from next years holiday (which I thought was a bit unfair), so I looked on the HR website as I would need more time off when he goes for the op and recovers.

Lo and Behold, hidden away at the bottom was a section on special leave.

I'm entitled to 17 days off a year to care for a sick relative plus 5 days off 5 times a year for a family emergency.

Presented this to my boss, mentioned it to HR and they are now letting me use this.

I work for BT. A large company I know, so I guess it depends who you work for.

Also my Union have backed me and my boss is aware of this as well.

Good Luck and all the best.