Special Leave or A/L?

[Stormproof]

My dad got killed last year and I only used 3 days special leave as I knew I would be needing extra days for the the drivers court case and coroners court. I explained this to my DOM at the time and he understood. He has moved on now and I have'nt got anything in writing to say he agreed(that was the last thing on my mind at the time). Is it worth arguing about with the DSM or shall I just take it as A/L and bill the drivers insurance company for the days? I need to find out soon as all the proceedings are due to start and we all know what RM are like for stringing stuff out

[baldrick]

When my brother died I got 5 days paid Special Leave, then 1 day paid SL for his funeral, and 1 day paid SL to attend the Coroners Court. That was 15 years ago and I know things are more difficult now.
I would apply for the 2 days as paid Special Leave, pointing out on the application that you only took 3 days at the time of his death. It would be discretionary, and it sounds like you think your DOM is going to turn it down, in which case he could grant it as unpaid SL. If you can't afford to lose 2 days pay, you could then apply for 2 days AL out of course.

As for billing the insurance company, you could try, but I wouldn't think they would pay you, unless you were a witness in the case.

[Stormproof]

Thanks for your reply Baldrick. I'll see if I can get SL for the Coroners Court, have'nt got a date for that yet due to the Crown Court proceedings. I will try my luck with payment from the drivers Insurance Company, they've only just paid up for the funeral costs and in my eyes thats liability.

[Pinky 1]

Storm ...... this is from the Special Leave Policy

CORONERS COURT: If the person is attending due to the death of a family member then Special Leave A is applicable. If a witness, loss of earnings should be claimed and Post Office Ltd will make up pay to basic earnings level.

Hope this is of some help, and i'm sorry for your loss.