Long term sick vs compassionate leave

[dawsonmcc]

Hi all I am currently on long term sick and was wondering if I am entitled to have the 3 days credit for compassionate leave. My sister died of cancer and dom says I'm not entitled to it because I'm off sick any advise would be appreciated.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

You would be entitled to compassionate leave and under Royal Mails rules it should be paid, but it is still discretionary.

Sick leave is a statutory entitlement and as long as you don't run over the contractual maximum amount, you will get paid for it after having completed at least one year's service.

Now you could fight his decision, but I wouldn't recommend it. They could agree and then decide it was unpaid rather than paid - although they would need a strong reason if you went to a tribunal over it. Another implication is that by splitting the long term sick leave into 2 separate periods divided by the "Special Leave" could leave you vulnerable to the conduct code after you return, especially if you go sick again within a year.

It's not often I agree with a manager, but in this case, I think they made the best decision for you. No loss of pay and no lasting effect on your sick record.

Just a quick note you can't get credit for compassionate leave after the fact as its not a statutory entitlement. You can with Bank Holidays, but not compassionate leave (Special Leave). So no you can't have 3 days added to this year's entitlement if that is what your original question was.

[dawsonmcc]

That's great thanks for your advise I have been with RM for 15 years and currently off awaiting a spine operation I was only really thinking about when I go on to half pay the 3 days compassionate leave would make a difference. 3 days full pay is better than half pay.