Compassionate Leave requests
Case reference FOI2026/00628
Received 2 June 2026
Published 7 July 2026
Request
I am writing to request information regarding LFBs policies, procedures and statistical data concerning the application of compassionate leave across all staff categories. Specifically, I am seeking data to understand how line manager discretion is monitored to ensure fairness and consistency across different stations, role and departments. For each of the last three financial years (2023/24, 2024/25 and 2025/26) please provide the following information:
What was the total number of compassionate leave requests submitted by staff, and how many were approved?
Please provide a breakdown of the average number of compassionate leave days granted per approved request, catergorized by uniformed operational staff vs non uniformed staff.
What was the highest number of compassionate leave days granted for the death of a relative and the lowest days granted for compassionate circumstance during the last 24 months?
How many requests for compassionate leave were refused by line managers in the last 3 financial years?
For all refused requests, how many requests were due to manager discretion?
How many formal grievances, or internal disputes have been logged by LFB personnel on compassionate or special leave since 2023?
Is there a centralized HR review or audit process to monitor line manager decisions on compassionate leave for fairness and consistency?
Response
Please see PDF file "FOI2026_00628_Response" in the 'Documents' section below.
Documents
This is London Fire Brigade's response to a freedom of information (FOI) or environmental information regulations (EIR) request.
You can browse our other responses or make a new FOI request.