Following Zayn Malik's announcement that he is leaving One Direction, employers have been inundated with requests for compassionate leave from grieving fans who claim that they are too heartbroken to work! Following Zayn's announcement, there have been hundreds of calls from workers claiming to be unable to work and seeking 'compassionate leave'. Naturally, employers have been unsympathetic with such requests.
This situation occurred before when Take That disbanded in 1996 and there were similar requests for time off from distraught fans. Glenn Jaques, an employment law solicitor at Wake Smith LLP said 'The situation does not legally qualify as compassionate leave and employers would be at liberty to refuse such a request. Employees have the right to take a 'reasonable' amount of time off work in order to take action necessary to deal with particular situations affecting their dependents and to make any necessary long term arrangements. The time off is allowed for matters such as to deal with the consequences of the death of a dependent. No period of time is specified in the legislation.
The law says that they are entitled to take a reasonable amount of time which is necessary in all the circumstances.
The time off is unpaid. Employers often have policies which provide for more favourable terms than the basic minimum. If the heartbroken One Direction fans do feel really strongly about the issue then they would have to apply to take the time off as a holiday.' The subject of compassionate leave and time off for dependents together with the subject of 'Zero hours' contracts will be dealt at the next Wake Smith HR Club. This is to be held on Wednesday 20 May at 8.30am at Wake Smith's offices at 68 Clarkehouse Road, Sheffield. The free HR Club will be of interest to HR Managers and owner managed businesses who have an interest in employment issues.
If you would like to attend the HR Club, please contact Bridie Mulgrew on 0114 2666660 or email [email protected]. For further information please contact Glenn Jaques at [email protected] or on 0114 2666660. Visit the company's website at www.wake-smith.com.
