Emergencies at work

Employees also have the right to take time off in emergencies. This includes situations that involve a dependent, such as your child. This time off is unpaid unless your employer has stated otherwise as a contractual right.

Examples of emergencies that would be granted time off include when usual care arrangements have broken down, when a dependent falls ill, or you need to deal with an incident involving a child during school hours.

If you feel you are being treated unfairly by your employer, there is professional advice you can seek, that Citizens Advice provides guidance on here. If you are self-employed, on a short term contract or employed through an agency, the circumstances can often be different. You can contact ACAS for advice on 0300 123 1100