Compassionate Leave, Force Majeure Leave & Jury Service at Dunnes Stores

  1. Compassionate Leave – What You’re Entitled To
  2. Force Majeure Leave – What You’re Entitled To
  3. Jury Service – What You’re Entitled To
  4. What to Watch For
  5. Mandate is Here to Help

Compassionate Leave – What You’re Entitled To

All Dunnes Stores employees, regardless of service length, are entitled to compassionate (bereavement) leave in the event of the death of a close relative. This leave is intended for immediate attendance and funeral arrangements.

Standard Entitlements:

3 paid consecutive days (for hours rostered during that period) for the death of:

  • Parent (including adoptive parent)
  • Child (including adoptive child)
  • Spouse or long-term partner
  • Brother or sister

1 paid day (for hours rostered on that day) for the death of:

  • Aunt, uncle
  • Grandparent or grandchild
  • Nephew or niece
  • Mother-in-law or father-in-law

Important Notes:

  • Leave is based on rostered hours during the compassionate period

  • If the bereavement occurs while on annual leave, compassionate leave runs concurrently — additional time will not be granted later

  • Extra days (beyond 3) may be granted only in exceptional circumstances and must be approved in advance by your manager

  • You may be asked to provide supporting documentation (e.g. death notice)

If you are refused compassionate leave or believe your entitlement has been applied incorrectly, contact your Shop Steward or Mandate Official.

Force Majeure Leave – What You’re Entitled To

Force Majeure Leave is paid emergency leave for urgent, unforeseen situations where your immediate presence is essential due to the illness or injury of a close family member.

Statutory Entitlement (under the Parental Leave Act 1998):

  • Up to 3 paid days in any 12-month period
  • Up to 5 paid days in a 36-month period
  • Leave must be paid and is not deducted from annual leave or sick leave

Situations Covered:

  • Sudden or serious illness or injury affecting your child, spouse/partner, parent, sibling, grandchild or dependent

  • Your presence must be immediately necessary — not optional or routine care

Important:

  • You must notify your manager as soon as possible
  • A written confirmation form must be completed upon return
  • You may be asked to provide evidence to support the absence

Jury Service – What You’re Entitled To

Under company policy, Dunnes Stores provides paid time off for employees required to attend jury service.

Key Entitlements:

  • Paid time off for the full duration of jury service

  • You must notify management immediately upon receiving your summons

  • You must provide all documentation requested by the company

  • If you are released from jury duty early or not selected, you must return to work immediately

Important:
Refusal to allow paid jury service or pressure to avoid attendance is not permitted. If this happens, seek Mandate support.

What to Watch For

  • Compassionate leave denied or reduced below the policy amount
  • Unpaid leave when attending jury duty
  • Refusal to acknowledge valid force majeure leave
  • Being asked to use annual leave for bereavement or emergencies
  • Managers failing to inform staff of entitlements
  • Requests for extended compassionate leave denied without explanation

Mandate is Here to Help

Mandate is committed to ensuring all Dunnes members:

  • Receive fair and timely leave in difficult or emergency situations
  • Understand their full legal and contractual entitlements
  • Are supported in resolving leave-related issues with management


Need help with compassionate leave, jury service, or family emergencies?


Talk to your Shop Steward, contact your local Mandate office, or visit our Contact Page.