Issue - meetings

Local Joint Consultative Committee

13 November 2024

The Joint Committee noted that the Compassionate Leave Scheme had been changed to include additional leave allowances for those who had experienced the death of a child or spouse.

The debate included discussions about other relatives and the rationale behind decided some relationships were closer than others.  It was noted that a manager could use their discretions as to how the scheme was applied.

It was requested that the scheme be amended to state that the leave should be taken within six months of the bereavement.

          RECOMMENDED to Cabinet that the Compassionate Leave Scheme, including an amendment that the leave be taken within six months of the bereavement, be approved.

Cabinet considered the Policy, it was proposed to increase compassionate leave entitlement to up to fifteen days in the event of the death of a spouse, partner or child. It was considered that five days was not sufficient to support employees experiencing the death. The proposed increase would support employees and reduce sickness. It was confirmed that the Chief Executive had scope to use discretion on a case-by-case basis in exceptional circumstances.

RESOLVED that the amended Compassionate Leave Scheme, including an amendment that the leave be taken within six months of bereavement, be approved.

Reason

This would address previous occasions where the Policy entitlements were not deemed sufficient to support employees.