Any advice about taking an unpaid leave of absence?

**Floweryfields** · August 5th, 2013, 10:08 PM

So, it is possible, that my person, may be going to work in Melbourne for a few months towards the end of the year. I am thinking about going with him. I have no annual leave accrued, but was wondering if anyone knew if there are any provisions for an unpaid leave of absence in a job? Or if I said I wanted to take unpaid leave, could they say no or else say I won't have a job to return to?
I am thinking a month to 6 weeks.

**Amity** · August 5th, 2013, 10:26 PM

I'd check your award/EBA.

**peanutter** · August 5th, 2013, 10:30 PM

It depends on your contract/award.

There's no automatic provision for unpaid leave in my position - it's just not something I'm entitled to - so it would have to be negotiated with my boss.

A colleague tried to get some not long ago, and was told no, essentially because then everyone would want it ... but maybe if he'd asked for less, or done it more privately it would have been granted ... ?

If you never ask you'll never know - ask and see what they say.

**~Kim~** · August 6th, 2013, 08:17 AM

I agree with the PPs, in checking your award.

It happens in our line of work often. They have been known to say no if they think you're doing it to get work experience else where though.

**Nai** · August 6th, 2013, 08:32 AM

We have provisions in our contracts but it is approved on a case by case basis. You do need to put a case in writing as to why you need it though. As we work in a very stressful environment if we have staff who need extended breaks to unwind, destress etc and it will ensure that we retain them longer term then we will grant it. Generally where it is for mental health or unpaid carers leave or an extended overseas holiday it will be approved.

**meow** · August 6th, 2013, 09:09 AM

My husband has taken unpaid leave for extended periods in the past. He just explained to his boss in a private meeting that he was planning the trip away and would like to come back etc etc. They wanted him back so they let him take unpaid leave.

**HotI** · August 6th, 2013, 09:39 AM

Is there any study or 'research' that you would be interested in doing (that would benefit the employer) during your leave? It may assist if your employers are unsure about the idea.

**Floweryfields** · August 6th, 2013, 04:46 PM

Checked out the award today and there is no provision for unpaid leave. We are yet to develop EBAs so that is not anything to consider either.

I guess the issue is more that they will need to find someone to do my job in my absence which will be difficult where I am, but then that also means that I will be hard to replace if they were to not permit it and I left anyway iykwim.

**wysiwyg** · August 6th, 2013, 05:12 PM

Is there anyone where you work who would want to step up for a short period gaining greater experience by doing your role for a bit? One of the things I am impressed with at our childcare is the way they rotate the staff and let some have unpaid leave (one has gone off to do 10 weeks at a childcare centre in the snow doing childcare and teaching children skiing ). The kids get letters and photos from the snow :-) I think it is of benefit to the children and the staff these sort of arrangements. They just rotate room leaders and give people experience in higher roles and fill more junior positions.

**Floweryfields** · August 6th, 2013, 05:20 PM

It's more that we don't have any spare staff! They do manage when I take leave, but just! For a few weeks not a couple of months. I so want to go!

**2CheekyMonkeys** · August 6th, 2013, 05:36 PM

You'd have to put a request in writing to your manager or licensee/ big boss and then I would guess it would be up to their discretion and no guarantees. Do you get RDOs? You could bank them if you have enough time.