In short, yes. A child is technically your dependent which means you are allowed to take time off work to cope with an emergency. Even if that emergency might actually just be a horrible common cold. A day or two is considered sufficient to deal with a crisis, and time off beyond this point may result in unpaid leave.
Can I give up work due to ill health?
Your employer is not allowed to suggest ill health retirement as a way to get you to leave the company. This could be disability discrimination because ill health retirement is your choice. Your employer should make reasonable adjustments to allow you to work if you feel able to.
Can I take time off work if my wife is ill?
Key facts. You have the right to take time off for unplanned events or emergencies involving your dependants. Time off for dependants can only be taken to deal with unforeseen or emergency situations. Your employer must allow you a reasonable amount of time off work to deal with emergencies involving your dependants.
Can my employer fire me for my child being sick?
It is also important to be aware that paid sick time laws generally prohibit retaliation, meaning your employer cannot fire you or discipline you for using sick time you have accrued under the law, whether you use it for yourself or for your child.
Can I take sick leave to look after my wife?
Your employment agreement may give you greater sick leave entitlements than this. You can take sick leave because you are ill or injured, or to look after a family member who is ill or injured. However, there is no legal requirement for your employer to allow you to use your sick leave to attend a medical appointment.
Can my employer refuse time off for hospital appointment?
Your employer is not legally required to grant time off work for hospital appointments. You’ll need to get your employer’s permission to attend, and they are allowed to refuse, but they must be reasonable, i.e. it’s not reasonable to question your doctor’s advice.
Can you get fired for calling in sick with a doctors note?
California is an at-will employment state so an employer may fire an employee who provided a doctor’s note as long as they can prove the decision was not based on discrimination.
