Time off for dependants

If you are in your induction year, you are entitled, like all other employees, to time off to care for your dependants.

If you are a student teacher and you need time off from your studies to care for a dependent person, you should talk to your personal tutor in the first instance. 

Who is covered?

All employees have a right to 'time off for dependants'. There is no qualifying period and so you are entitled to this from the first day of your employment.

What is time off for dependants?

You are allowed to take a reasonable amount of time off work to deal with unexpected or sudden emergencies and to make any necessary long-term arrangements. The emergency must involve a dependant.

Who counts as a dependant?

A dependant is your spouse, child or parent or someone who lives at your address (except as a tenant). It can also include someone who relies on you for assistance.

How much time off can I take?

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You are entitled to take a reasonable amount of time off.
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You are entitled to take a reasonable amount of time off. In most cases, one or two days should be sufficient. The right is intended to cover genuine emergencies and so longer absences should be discussed with the employer.

Am I entitled to be paid?

The right to time off for dependants does not include an entitlement to pay. However, your employer has the discretion to award you time off with pay.

Help and support

For further advice on this issue, ATL members can speak to their school rep, their branch secretary or their regional official. They can also call the London (020 7930 6441), Cardiff (029 2046 5000) or Belfast office (02890 327 990) or email info@atl.org.uk

For out of hours enquiries, call the out of office hours helpline on 020 7782 1612 (Monday-Friday, 5-8pm during term time).

If you are not a member, join now.

Further information

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