How long is reasonable for an employee to take off for a family emergency?

All employees, regardless of their length of service or sex, have the right to a reasonable amount of unpaid time off during working hours to deal with emergencies involving their dependants ( Time off for dependants). The law does not specify a limit on the amount of time off which an employee can take, except that it must be reasonable and necessary to deal with the particular situation. For example, where the employee's child falls ill, the employee is entitled to time off to arrange for a family member or friend to care for the child, but not to spend an extended period caring for the child himself or herself. (The employee may be entitled to take parental leave for that purpose.)

Whilst the amount of time off that is reasonable will vary according to the circumstances of the emergency, one or two days' leave should usually be sufficient in most cases.

The EEF Employment Guide is intended to provide general guidance only. It does not purport to be comprehensive or to give legal advice. Users should always seek specific legal advice before taking or refraining from any action. Information and documents on this website are prepared in accordance with the laws of England, Wales and Scotland. Users accessing from Northern Ireland should be aware that different laws and interpretations may be applicable to Northern Ireland.