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Can I take time off work if my children are sick?

Released 14th April, 2010|4,605 Views
 If your children are sick, you are allowed to take a short period of time off as it is an emergency, if there is no one else who can look after them. This time is unpaid and in many cases it may only be reasonable to take a day or two at a time. If you know that your kids are going to be sick for longer than this, you would need to make other arrangements if possible.
 
Time off in an emergency for someone who depends on you is called Time off for Dependants (TOFD).
 
You should let your employer know what is going on as soon as you can, and try to make arrangements so that you can return to work as quickly as possible.
 
There is no limit on how often you can take TOFD, but on each occasion it has to be reasonable for you to take the time off.
 
You should not be dismissed or put at a disadvantage for taking reasonable TOFD.
 
If you know that your child is having an operation or some other sickness which can be predicted, you may be able to take parental leave instead. This is also unpaid, but you can take more time off. You usually need to give 21 days notice to take parental leave, but your employer may agree to be more flexible.
 
Another option is to take some annual leave, when you should be paid your normal rate of pay. Your employer may let you take annual leave at short notice, or if you know about an operation or a sickness which can be predicted, you may be able to negotiate with your employer to take some annual leave when you need it.
 
You can get more information about your right to annual leave from the Direct Gov or ACAS websites.
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  • Direct Gov

    Government website providing information and advice about public services in the UK.