Funeral leave

[jimi440]

Hi, was wondering if I could get a bit of advice? A member of my extended family has died suddenly and I have given manager 3 days notice of funeral (that's all we were given, died at weekend and told on Tuesday that funeral was Friday). I advised manager ASAP and found out on Wednesday that I cannot get time off as the one person we get for cover is covering someone on sick leave. I only want to pay my respects but I work 12.30-20.30 and the funeral is at 13.30. Am I entitled to leave (unpaid if necessary) to go to this funeral? There is no mention of compassionate leave in my contract!

[albebb]

The special leave policy allows for up to one week with pay for the death of next of kin and blood relative, (spouse or civil partner, child, parent, sibling) and one day with pay for parent in law (or the equivalent in a civil partnership or longstanding unmarried relationship), or grandparent.
Discretion for time off with pay, in circumstances where the relationship to the deceased is not covered by the above,) may be granted if the circumstances are ‘truly’ exceptional.
If the circumstances are not ‘truly’ exceptional, any time off granted will be unpaid, or taken as annual leave.

[jimi440]

Thanks very much for your reply and copies of the paperwork.