bereavement absence

[dazzler123]

what is the current policy on bereavment? My dad is about to pass in hospital, had the main manager calling me while at his bedside on first day of absence yesterday, when already told line manager in early hours.

Also is it possible to take time off unpaid for a bit, have a lot going on at the mo

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Royal Mail’s bereavement policy is primarily handled under their Special Leave and Compassionate Leave provisions. While specific internal documents are often hosted on the "Royal Mail MyPlace" portal or the "Help@Hand" app, the general framework for staff (often supported by the CWU union) is as follows:

Immediate Bereavement (Special Leave)
Royal Mail typically provides paid time off for the death of a "dependant" or "immediate relative."

Paid Leave: Usually, 1 to 3 days of paid special leave is granted for the death of an immediate relative (spouse, civil partner, parent, child, or sibling).

Extensions: In exceptional circumstances, this can often be extended up to a maximum of 5 days' paid leave.


Flexibility: Managers have the discretion to offer a "phased return" or allow additional unpaid time off if the employee is not yet ready to return to full duties.

Evidence: While a death certificate is not usually required for the initial few days of leave, it may be requested for longer-term arrangements or pension-related death benefits.

Support Services for Staff
Royal Mail provides several resources to help employees through grief:

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): A 24/7 confidential helpline offering emotional and practical support.

Help@Hand App: Access to mental health consultations and bereavement counselling.

Feeling First Class: The internal wellbeing portal, which often contains specific guides on managing grief.

Essential Support Contact Numbers
First Class Support (EAP): 0800 688 8777 This is Royal Mail’s confidential Employee Assistance Programme. It is available 24/7 for emotional support, counselling, and practical advice on bereavement.

HR Services Advice Centre: 0345 606 0603. Contact them for specific questions regarding your leave, pay, or updating personnel records.

Rowland Hill Fund: 0345 600 4586 A dedicated charity for Royal Mail and Post Office staff that provides financial and practical assistance during difficult times.

Digital Support & Links
Help@hand App: This app provides access to mental health support and bereavement counselling. You can download it via the Apple App Store or Google Play. If you haven't registered, search your work email for an invite from help-at-hand@squarehealth.com or contact HR to be added.

Feeling First Class: www.feelingfirstclass.co.uk The internal wellbeing portal for proactive mental health advice. Use the registration code FFC1 if you are a first-time user.

External Specialist Support
If you need to talk to someone outside of the business, these organisations specialise in grief:

Cruse Bereavement Support: 0808 808 1677 (cruse.org.uk)

Samaritans: 116 123 (Available 24/7 for immediate emotional distress)

[POSTMAN]

Check the Robin app for any updated policies.
This one is 2021...

Bereavement (other family members and friends): It’s an upsetting time when someone close to you
passes away. Managers will do their best to allow you time to deal with your loss.
• Your manager can provide you with up to one week’s paid leave for immediate family, e.g. next of kin or
blood relative (spouse, civil partner, child, parent or sibling), to support you during this difficult time.
• If a member of your family, e.g. grandparent or parent-in-law passes away, your manager can give you one
day’s paid leave to attend the funeral.
• For wider family or friends, you can agree with your manager whether to swap shifts, make up the time,
take unpaid leave or holiday.

https://www.royalmailchat.co.uk/mrm/Tim ... ummary.pdf

Bereavement and how you deal with it depends on you.
If you need more time then you need more time.

I know of people who have had weeks off and use Dr's sick notes.
Best wishes mate.

[dazzler123]

thank you very much