Compassionate leave is a form of leave that is granted to an employee by their employer. It is granted when the employee’s family member passes away, or in times of illness. The duration of compassionate leave can be determined by the employer and should be reasonable. In South Africa, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) states that employees are entitled to one day’s paid compassionate leave for every 13 days worked, or part thereof.
Are you entitled to family responsibility leave in South Africa?
The Labour Relations Act defines family responsibility leave as time off granted to an employee to take care of and provide support for the family members. The Act does not specify any amount of time or frequency that is required, but it does state that the employer must grant an employee’s request for family responsibility leave if it is reasonable and practicable.
The employer can grant family responsibility leave in two ways: either it can be paid or unpaid. If the employer grants unpaid leave, then they must pay the employee their normal salary for a period of up to four weeks.
What is bereavement leave called in South Africa?
In South Africa, bereavement leave is called compassionate leave. Compassionate leave is the term used in South Africa to refer to a period that an employee can take off work in order to deal with the loss of a loved one.
