Dependants leave policy guidance notes

Legal Framework

The right for employees to take time off for dependants is contained in the Employment Relations Act 1999 (“The Act”). This right is also contained in the European Parental Leave Directive.

The Act entitles all employees to be permitted to take a reasonable amount of time off during working hours in order to take action which is necessary to care for or assist a dependant in the situations specified in the policy.

The right to take time off for dependants allows employees to deal with incidents arising from their domestic responsibilities, and as such may actually reduce absenteeism by encouraging employees to be open about their need to take time off work.