Other Leave/ Time Off FAQs

Here you will find a range of frequently asked questions relating to our range of other leave/ time off policies. 

Staff FAQs

How do I request time off to attend a funeral?

You should access the HR Self Service Portal, navigate to the employee dashboard and book time off; funeral/bereavement leave is listed here. 

 

I need to travel to attend a funeral, how much time would I get off?

A member of staff who need only attend the funeral of a relative or close friend/colleague will normally be granted up to 1 days’ paid leave. Where the member of staff has to travel a long distance to attend/arrange the funeral then, depending on circumstances, 1 further days’ paid leave may be granted.

I need time off to arrange a funeral, how much time am I entitled to take off?

In the event of the death of an immediate family member i.e. a spouse, civil partner, partner (including same sex partners), parent/stepparent, up to 5 days’ paid time off (pro rated for a part-time member of staff). This entitlement includes time required to attend the funeral. In the event of the death of a close relative not listed previously i.e. grandparent, father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, aunt, uncle or grandchild, the member of staff will be granted up to 2 days’ paid time off (pro-rated for part-time members of staff). This entitlement includes time required to attend the funeral (except where the member of staff is responsible for organising the funeral in which case additional time off may be granted).

I have been called for Jury Duty, what do I do?

You should speak to your Line Manager in the first instance. You should access the HR Self Service Portal, navigate to the employee dashboard and book time off - jury duty is listed here. 

I have been cited to attend Court as a Witness, what should I do?

Members of staff who have been officially called as a witness (i.e. by court citation) to give evidence for a crime they have witnessed will be released from work in order that they can fulfil their public duty.

I have a loss of earnings form, what should I do with this?

This form should be sent directly to Payroll.

I have been dismissed from Jury Duty early, what should I do?

Attendance at court not required: If, on any day during the court hearing, the member of staff’s services are not required they shall return to work that day.

Manager FAQs

My employee has asked for time off to attend a funeral, how much time are they entitled to?

A member of staff who need only attend the funeral of a relative or close friend/colleague will normally be granted up to 1 days’ paid leave.

My employee has returned to work after a period of bereavement leave, what support is available to them?

Where a member of staff is experiencing difficulties following a bereavement, they may benefit from accessing the University’s Employee Assistance Program or from Togetherall (a safe online community offering 24/7 mental health support).

How do I approve my employee's request to take bereavement leave?

You approve this leave in the same way as annual leave, an email will be sent to you advising of the timing and you access the HR system and approve.

My employee has been called to Court as a Witness, what should I do?

You should ask your employee to access the HR Self Service Portal, navigate to the employee dashboard and book time off - jury duty/court witness is listed here.

What should my employee do with their loss of earnings form?

On receiving the payment in lieu of loss of earnings, the member of staff should complete Payroll’s Jury/witness citation form and attach a photocopy of the cheque received. The completed form should be returned to Payroll within one week of having received the monies from court.