Bereavement in the workplace is not a ‘one size fits all’ rule

Dealing with the loss of a loved one be it a family member friend or colleague is a tragic circumstance and employers need to understand that people can be affected in many different ways.

There are many things to take into consideration; the circumstances around the death how close the staff member was to the deceased as well as their ability to deal with the grief.

What does the law say regarding compassionate leave?

There is currently no legislation covering compassionate leave from work in the event of bereavement or family illness in the UK.

The Employment Rights Act 1996 gives an employee the right to have “reasonable” time off work to deal with an emergency involving a dependant. 

However in circumstances involving a bereavement this statutory right to unpaid “reasonable” leave only applies to enable an employee to deal with logistical matters which arise as a result of a death such as arranging and attending a funeral. It is not a right to compassionate leave.

How should employers address grief in the workplace?

Employers should have in place a clear bereavement leave policy in their...

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