Unpaid leave of absence letter sample (Samples)

By OptimistMinds

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In this guide we will see some examples of “unpaid leave of absence letter sample”, types of unpaid leave of absence you could ask for and some additional considerations when writing an unpaid leave of absence letter.

Request for Unpaid Leave

• Know your legal rights about taking unpaid leave
• Make the request in person.
• Give advance notice as much as possible.
• Offer to develop an agreeable plan with your boss for your leave.
• Try to keep in touch with the relevant work

An unpaid leave if absence letter is considered a request letter (formal letter) that you can write as an employee asking your employer for leave of absence from work. In addition, there are multiple reasons why you could consider writing this type of letter, for instance it could be due to personal reasons such as taking care of your health or a family member, loss of a loved one or relief from excessive job stress.

Being a new employee can make you question yourself on whether you should or shouldn’t ask for unpaid leave or any of the additional types of leave of absence you could be entitled to without even knowing, in fact, in some cases it does not matter if you are new, you could be entitled even to paid leave.

• Parental leave: you can take unpaid parental leave to look after your child’s welfare if you need to spend more time with your children, look at new schools or settle into new childcare arrangements.
• Sick leave or sick pay: if you are sick of you have been to the doctor, and he/she considers you need time off to recover then, you can use this option to stay at home without losing pay.
• Maternity leave: when you take time off to have a child you might be eligible for statutory maternity leave, statutory maternity pay, paid time off for antenatal care or have extra help from the government (check the rules on when and how to claim your paid leave).
• Pregnancy leave: according to the NHS, all employed women are entitled to 1 year of maternity leave. No matter for how long you have worked for your current employer.
• Casual leave: refers to asking for leave when there is an urgent or unforeseen matter that requires your attention. Usually it is requested on the same day or a few days in advance.
• Annual leave: this is paid time off work granted to you by your employer to be used however to see fit (e.g. planed holiday).

Sample 1:

“Subject: Unpaid Leave Request

To Whom It May Concern/Dear Mr., Mrs.,

Hereby, I would like to request a 1-month unpaid leave, starting xxxx. I will be returning to my job duties on xxxx. The reason for my extended leave is (reason for unpaid leave).

I have several projects in the pipeline, and since I will be working on them from home, my work will not be affected. If someone needs to contact me from the occide I will try to be available via (phone/email) in case of any query.

Thank you for considering my request. Looking forward to your confirmation.

Sample 2:

“Dear RECIPIENT NAME,

This letter is a formal request for an unpaid leave of absence. As discussed earlier, I would like to request an unpaid leave of absence from START DATE to END DATE.

The reason for this leave of absence is REASON. I hereby request you to consider my request.

Please let me know if you have any further questions on my leave of absence or if you need additional information.

Credits to Template.net

Sample 3:

Your City, postcode

Your Phone Number

Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name]:

This letter is a formal request for a leave of absence, to follow up on our meeting yesterday. As we discussed, I would like to request a leave of absence from April 1, 2019, through June 30, 2019.

I will return to work on July 1, 2019.

Please let me know whether you require any further information or have any questions.

Thank you very much for your consideration in affording me this opportunity for personal leave.

Your Signature (hard copy letter)

Your Typed Name”

Sample 4:

ABC Company, Inc.

San Diego, CA 92101

I am writing to request a one-month medical leave of absence beginning Monday, Sept. 10, and ending Wednesday, Oct. 10. I will be having surgery—my surgeon has ordered a minimum three-week recovery period (see doctor’s signed recommendation attached.)

I am happy to assist in handling any necessary preparations before beginning my leave, including training colleagues on upcoming projects. Thank you so much for your understanding.

Sample 5:

ABC Company, Inc.

San Diego, CA 92101

I am submitting this request for a leave of absence to tend to important personal matters beginning next month. If possible, I would like to take my leave beginning March 15 and return to the office on April 3, 20XX.

I can make myself available intermittently to answer questions via phone or email, and am happy to do whatever necessary to ensure a smooth transition before my leave begins.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sample 6:

Dear Mr/Mrs Last Name,

As you are aware, I have been having health problems over the (insert length of time). Although I have tried various treatments, surgery is inevitable. (Details of surgery) will require a lengthy absence from work, so I will have to take the full 12 weeks allowed for injury and sickness.

My doctor has completed the request form which I received from HR. Please find the letter attached to the email. As I understand that my absence will be a hindrance, I am giving you a month’s notice in order for you to find a temporary replacement. My surgery is scheduled for (insert date) meaning that I am able to work until (insert date), to ensure that everything is in order before my departure.

I anticipate that my return date will be (insert date). While this is just an estimate, I do hope that I can return to work before this time.

I appreciate your understanding.

Sample 7: (To Care for a Sick Family Member)

Dear Mr/Mrs Last Name,

As you are aware, my (family member’s name) is having some serious health issues. Although (she/he) has seen a number of different healthcare providers and endured numerous tests, (she/he) needs surgery. (Describe details of surgery). As you understand that this is a very tough time for our family, so I will need the full 12-week sick allowance available to me.

My (family member’s) doctor has completed the request form which I received from HR. Please find the letter attached to the email. As I understand that my absence will be a hindrance, I am giving you a month’s notice in order for you to find a temporary replacement. My (family member’s) surgery is scheduled for (insert date) meaning that I am able to work until (insert date), to ensure that everything is in order before my departure.

I anticipate that my return date will be (insert date). While this is just an estimate, I do hope that I can return to work before this time.

I appreciate your understanding.

Sample 8:

With reference to above cited subject, I would like to request a 5-day leave, starting on 18th June 2019. I will be returning to the factory on 23rd June2019 to pick up my duties. The reason for my leave is on 18th June 2019, my sister wedding is arranged.

I will need to be at home to help my family to arrange all family events. So that my family is not overburdened with a hectic workload. I want to spare some time with my sister at last 3 to 4 days.

If someone needs to contact me from the office I will try to be available via phone or email.

Thank you for considering my request.

(Company Details) if needed.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I write a letter asking for unpaid leave?

To write a letter asking for unpaid leave you could:
– Start your letter with the main issue and facts.

– Justify why you need a leave of absence but avoid going into a lot of details.

– Offer any assistance (when possible), leaving your preferred contact method and details.

– Thank your employer (supervisor/boss) for considering the leave.

How do I request a leave of absence?

To request a leave of absence from work you should:

– Understand and know your legal rights regarding time off and payment.

– Always make sure to request the leave of absence in writing and in person (preferably).

– Give sufficient advance notice so they can reach a decision.

– Discuss with your boss any contingency plans for when you are in your leave.

– Keep track of any assignments or pending important paperwork.

How do I write an absent letter for work?

When writing an absent letter for work remember that the body of your letter should be kept brief and specific, including the reasons of your absence, the dates, duration and (if possible) add any additional required documentation such as a doctor’s note or ER paperwork. Always use a polite and professional closing statement and then sign it.

What is leave of absence letter?

A leave of absence letter is a formal letter that you can write to your employer when you need to request a leave of absence from work. This letter most likely will be kept in your file or employment records. It is basically, a written record of the notice you are giving your employer, the reasons and the time you need off work.

What is a good reason for a leave of absence?

There are several good reasons for a leave of absence but your employer is not obligated to recognize or accept all of them. For instance, you may request a leave of absence for personal or family health problems, the birth of a child, getting married, the death of a loved one, relief from job stress/anxiety, the desire to travel or if you are pursuing a hobby.

References

Doyle, A. (2020, Jan.) Formal Leave of Absence Letter Request Example. Retrieved from Thebalancecareers.com.

Zambas, J. (2020, Feb.) How to Write a Leave of Absence Letter (with samples). Retrieved from Careeraddict.com.

Kadu, S. (2019, Jun.) How do you write a letter requesting unpaid leave?. Retrieved Quora.com.