Are Staff Entitled To Time Off For The National Day Of Mourning?

Are Staff Entitled To Time Off For The National Day Of 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 all employees have the right to the day off?

In the case of domestic and household workers, there is not an automatic right, unless it is stated so in their contract of employment.

However, there is an argument that because of the special circumstances for this Day of National Mourning, there may well be employees who ask for time off to grieve.

In this situation as the employer, you should check contracts of employment to clarify entitlements to Compassionate and Bereavement leave. A contract may specify that the conditions relate to the death of close family or friends. If that is the case, whether or not to grant such leave is a decision for you to make.

If you do grant such leave, this can be paid or unpaid. If you decline to grant such leave the employer can take the day as part of their annual leave (subject, of course, to your approval).

The Graham Agency, keeping you informed.