Yes, employees are entitled to take reasonable unpaid leave to deal with an emergency involving a dependant. An emergency may include situations where a dependant:
Is ill and needs the employee's help
Is involved in an accident or assaulted
Needs the employee to arrange their longer term care
Needs the employee to deal with an unexpected disruption or breakdown in care, such as a childminder or nurse failing to turn up
Goes into labour.
This type of leave is intended to be short term, rather than long term, caring responsibility. For more information refer to your leave of absence policy.
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