Compassionate leave

Compassionate or bereavement leave allows employees to take time off during difficult times, like when a member of their immediate family or household is seriously ill or dies. This leave is important for providing time to grieve, attend funerals, or care for ill family members. It's a crucial support mechanism in the workplace for dealing with personal crises.

How much compassionate leave employees get

Under the National Employment Standards, every employee, including casuals, can take 2 days of compassionate leave each time a member of their immediate family or household dies or develops or suffers a life-threatening illness or injury, a child is stillborn, or the employee or their spouse or de facto partner has a miscarriage. It is paid for permanent employees and unpaid for casuals, and it does not build up over time. For example, a part-time employee whose grandmother dies can take 2 days of paid compassionate leave.

Read our guide to immediate family leave.