The organisation recognises that team members do face difficult personal situations where they might need support from the organisation.
Death of close family member
In the event of the death of a partner, mother/ step mother, father/ step father, child/ step child, sibling (brother or sister), employees will be entitled to take 5 days compassionate leave on full pay. In the event of the death of grandparents, aunty and uncle, employees will be entitled to take maximum 1 day compassionate leave on full pay.
There is no qualifying period of service required to be entitled to take compassionate leave.
Other compassionate leave
Compassionate leave relating to a situation other than the death of a close family member will be at the discretion of the General Manager. Compassionate leave of more than 5 days, following the death of a close family member, will also be at the discretion of the General Manager (on his absence the Hotel Manager).
There is no automatic right to extend compassionate leave by taking unpaid leave.
Compassionate leave request
The organization recognizes that, in many situations, the employee will not be aware that compassionate leave is going to be required. As soon as reasonably practicable the employee should contact their line manager to explain what has happened, and to request compassionate leave. The employee must complete the ‘Compassionate Leave Form’ and this document must be signed by the Head of Department, Director of Human Resources and General Manager (on his absence the Hotel Manager). The line manager will confirm how much leave is to be given, and whether or not it is paid. The line manager will then bring the form to Human Resources and Human Resources will inform the payroll department of the decision.
Appeals
If an employee is refused the opportunity to take compassionate leave and wishes to appeal against this decision, the appeal should be made in writing to the manager of the employee’s line manager. All appeals will be addressed quickly, and within a maximum of five working days.
Unfounded requests
If any employee abuses the policy by making false or inaccurate requests for compassionate leave this will be a disciplinary offence, and disciplinary action is likely to be taken.