Am I Entitled To Time Off For The Day Of National Mourning?

Am I Entitled To Time Off For The Day Of National Mourning?

Millions of people feel affected by the death of the Queen and the government has announced an official Day of National Mourning on the day of Her Majesty’s funeral, anticipated to take place tomorrow- Monday 19th September.

Officially, it is an additional bank holiday giving employees a day off on which they can pay their respects.

But do you have the automatic right to a day off?

The short answer is no, you do not, unless it is stated so in your contract of employment.

However, because of the special circumstances of this Day of National Mourning you may feel so affected by the death of the Queen, that you feel the need to ask for time off to grieve.

You can apply to your boss for Compassionate or Bereavement leave, even though in this instance it does not involve a close friend or family member.

If your boss grants this, your leave can be paid or unpaid, according to the terms of your contract of employment. Alternatively, you can take the day as part of your annual leave, subject to your employer’s OK.

The Graham Agency, working with you.