School closed again? What the law says about taking time off work when childcare falls through
Schools have closed due to Storm Goretti, here is what working parents need to know about time off, pay and their rights
Storm Goretti has forced schools and nurseries across parts of the UK to close at short notice, leaving many working parents scrambling to work out what they are legally allowed to do.
If you have woken up to that familiar message saying “school closed”, you are not alone. For parents juggling jobs, childcare and safety concerns, the pressure can feel immediate and overwhelming.
The good news is that the law does offer protection for parents when childcare suddenly falls through. Here is what working mums and dads need to know, and how to approach the conversation with your employer.
Can I take time off work if my child’s school is closed?
Yes. If your child’s school or nursery has closed unexpectedly due to Storm Goretti, you are legally entitled to take time off work.
Under the Employment Rights Act 1996, employees have the right to take time off for emergencies involving dependants. This is often called dependant leave.
Dependant leave applies whether you work full-time or part-time, and it specifically covers sudden disruptions to childcare, including school and nursery closures caused by severe weather.
What do I need to tell my employer?
You should let your employer know as soon as you can that your child’s school is closed and that you need to take time off.
If possible, give an idea of how long you expect to be away, although this may be hard to predict when closures are changing quickly.
If you have no other reasonable option, your employer cannot refuse dependant leave. That said, the law only allows for a reasonable amount of time off, and there is no fixed definition of what counts as reasonable. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis, depending on your individual circumstances.
Keeping communication open with your employer is important, especially as new updates come in from schools. The aim of dependant leave is to give parents time to deal with an immediate emergency and, where possible, put alternative childcare arrangements in place, which can be particularly difficult during sudden closures.
How long can dependant leave last?
Dependant leave is intended for short-term emergencies rather than long-term childcare issues.
If a school closure continues for several days, employers may reasonably expect parents to have explored alternative childcare options where this is possible. This can be especially challenging for families without nearby support or flexible childcare arrangements.
Will I be paid while I am off?
In most situations, dependant leave is unpaid unless your employment contract or workplace policy states otherwise.
Whether you are paid can depend on your employer, the terms of your contract and how similar situations have been handled in the past. If you have experienced school closures or emergencies before, previous responses from your employer can give a useful indication of what to expect.
Some parents may decide to use annual leave so they continue to receive pay, but this needs to be agreed with your employer in advance.
What if the school closure lasts longer and I can't find childcare?
If Storm Goretti leads to schools being closed for an extended period and you are unable to secure alternative childcare, your options may narrow over time.
Parents are advised to keep hold of any written confirmation from the school about the closure and share this with their employer, as this can help explain the situation and show that the disruption is outside your control.
Dependant leave is intended to cover short-term emergencies, so if more time off is needed, parents may need to look at other options. This could include using annual leave if they want to continue being paid, or requesting unpaid leave if holiday entitlement has already been used up.
Can I ask to work from home instead?
You can ask, but it is not guaranteed. Employees are allowed to make a flexible working request, such as working from home temporarily, but employers are not required to agree.
Whether this is possible will depend on the type of work you do and how quickly your employer can respond. Roles that can realistically be done remotely are more likely to allow flexibility, while jobs that require you to be on site may not.
Employers are also encouraged to recognise that children may be at home during school closures, which may mean adjusting expectations around meetings, calls and working hours where possible.
Can I be disciplined or lose my job?
No. Employees should not face disciplinary action or risk losing their jobs for taking dependant leave when they have no other reasonable option.
You are also not required to make up the time later.
For many families, Storm Goretti has highlighted how fragile childcare arrangements can be. If you are affected, speak to your employer as early as possible, keep records, and remember that the law is there to protect you during genuine emergencies.
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