If you’re working and someone close to you dies, you are eligible for up to three days of bereavement leave from your place of employment.

This is a special kind of paid leave that all employees who meet certain criteria can use if someone close to them dies. Your employer can help you to arrange bereavement leave. 

Bereavement leave can give you time to grieve and take care of matters related to the bereavement. It can be taken at any time and for any purpose relating to the death and does not have to be taken straight away or on consecutive days. 

If you need more than three days of bereavement leave, your employer might agree to: 

  • Give you your bereavement leave in advance 
  • Let you take annual leave - they cannot make you take annual leave 
  • Let you take a longer period of leave - either using your annual leave entitlement or as unpaid leave.

Some employers offer more than three days of bereavement leave - check your employment agreement or talk with your employer.