Time off for Dependants during maternity
All employees have a right to take a reasonable period of time off work to deal with an emergency involving a dependant, (e.g. a child, spouse, parent, etc. ). This is in addition to the employee's normal holiday entitlement.
There is no set limit on the amount of time which can be taken, but it should be a reasonable period to allow the employee to deal with the emergency.
The right does not include a right to pay during time off; this is left to the discretion of the employer.
Any employee who has been denied time off to care for dependants or time off for ante-natal classes and appointments may complain to an Employment Tribunal.
Statutory Maternity Leave & Maternity Pay