Special Leave Request - General - HR in Schools and Academies

3 Special Leave Request

27 Mar, 2017 14:28

Hi everyone

I have a catering assistant who has requested two weeks off during term time to take her mum abroad on what might be her last holiday.

Her mum has had dementia for 6 years and the best time to take her away is this term time period which is between doctor appointments.

On the one hand I wonder if evidence is required showing the doctor appointments but she is refusing to bring the letter stating data protection and that, because she is a carer, her union claims that her request is reasonable and no other supporting docs are needed.

It is not an emergency but our policy does say that we need to be sympathetic to special leave requests.

Has anyone else had similar experiences?

Thank you

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Keith | 0 Posts

27 Mar, 2017 14:35

Either you believe her and grant the leave or you don't and will say no.

You appear to have got yourself into some sort of (IMO unnecessary) standoff over a letter from her doctor. Whilst her objections are probably unfounded, so Is your need for the letter. The Union should have no need to be involved at all..

Surely her manager/supervisor has a pretty good idea if this is genuine or not, and if she is a good employee or not?
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Nicola Smith | 0 Posts

27 Mar, 2017 15:38

In reply to Keith:
Hi Keith

We have absence issues related to staff going abroad or taking leave for 'family emergencies' so we have had to tighten this by asking for supporting evidence, unless it is a bereavement.

The manager has requested the letter and now has decided not authorise the leave.
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Keith | 0 Posts

27 Mar, 2017 16:23

In reply to Nicola Smith:
So you don't believe her mum has dementia and/or you don't believe she needs this particular holiday at this particular time? That's the message you are giving.

Regardless of what others may or may not have done - we are all individuals and are impacted as such. Its a shame but your call.
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