Time off work: Line manager briefing on time off for dependants

Overview

This line manager briefing explains the right to take time off for dependants, and aims to guide managers on dealing with employees who take time off under this right. 

It should be noted that the rights and duties discussed in this briefing are the minimum statutory rights and duties. Individual employers may offer their employees contractual entitlements over and above the minimum statutory rights. Employees’ contractual terms may therefore be the source of further rights and duties that line managers will be required to take into account. 

This line manager briefing is accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation for training purposes. 
Download in PowerPoint

This line manager briefing includes information on:

1. The definition of dependants
2. The purpose of the absence
3. The frequency of absences
4. The length of the absence
5. The needs of the organisation
6. Eligibility for time off
7. Procedure
• informing the employer
• the format of the information
• updates
• failure to return
8. The line manager's attitude
9. Rights during time off
10. Performance of the employee's work
11. Supporting the employee on return to work
12. Absences not falling under the right to time off for dependants
13. Legal remedies for employees
14. Test yourself

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1. The definition of dependants

Employees have the right to take a reasonable amount of time off work for their dependants.