Can I take time off for a family emergency?

What time off for dependants is

Time off for dependants is a legal right for employees to take time off work to deal with an unexpected problem involving someone who depends on you. It is sometimes called emergency leave.

Who counts as a dependant

A dependant could be your:

• spouse or partner
• child or grandchild
• parent
• someone else who depends on you for care

What counts as an emergency

The key word is unexpected. You can use this right if, for example:

• a dependant is ill, injured or assaulted. The illness does not have to be life threatening, and it can be mental or physical
• you need to arrange longer-term care for someone who is ill or injured
• a dependant goes into labour unexpectedly and needs you to take them to hospital
• a childminder or carer does not turn up, or a nursery or care home closes without warning
• your child is in a fight, injured on a school trip or suspended from school

It does not cover things you knew about in advance, like a planned hospital appointment.

How much time you can take

There is no fixed amount. You can take a reasonable amount of time to deal with the emergency and make other arrangements. For example, if your child is ill you might take time to see a doctor and sort out childcare, not to look after them for a week.

There is no limit on how many times you can use it, but your employer may talk to you if it is affecting your work.

Is it paid?

Your employer does not have to pay you. Some do. Check your contract or staff handbook. Your employer may also offer compassionate leave instead, which can be paid or unpaid.

How to take it

1. Tell your employer as soon as you can.
2. Explain why you need the time off.
3. Say how long you think you will be away.

Your protection

You cannot be dismissed for taking, or asking to take, time off for dependants. A dismissal for this reason is automatically unfair. If your employer unreasonably refuses you time off, you can complain to an employment tribunal. Time limits are short, so get advice quickly. Acas gives free advice.

Related rights

Carer's leave needs notice: at least 3 days for a half or full day, or twice the length of the leave for longer.

If you live in Northern Ireland

Employees in Northern Ireland have a similar right to reasonable, unpaid time off for emergencies, whatever their length of service. It is unfair to dismiss or penalise you for taking it. Complaints go to an industrial tribunal, and the Labour Relations Agency can help.

Related guides

• What is carer's leave?
• How much unpaid parental leave can I take?
• What leave can I get if my child dies?
• Can I ask to work flexibly?
• Can I get bereavement leave from work?

Where this comes from

• Time off for family and dependants (GOV.UK)
• What's an emergency? (GOV.UK)
• Carer's leave (GOV.UK)
• Employment Rights Act 1996, section 57B (legislation.gov.uk)
• Maternity and Parental Leave etc. Regulations 1999, regulation 20 (legislation.gov.uk)
• Time off for dependants (compassionate leave) (nidirect)