Parental guilt over unplanned sick leave

Financial and emotional impact of poorly children

Cameron Roberts
clock • 1 min read

Research by protection and employee benefits provider, MetLife UK, shows that 27% of parents feel guilty taking unplanned time off work to take care of a poorly child.

The research also showed that 17% of parents would be afraid taking time off would reflect badly in their role; 13% think it would impact future promotions or pay rises; 10% thought their colleagues would resent them; and 9% thought prolonged time off would result in a written warning or contract termination. The emotional burden was not the only aspect that the research highlighted, it also showed that 25% of those questioned feared the financial consequences of taking unplanned time off. Of those asked, 48% said they did not have a savings pot set aside in case they need to take unp...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Individual Protection

MetLife launches Everyday Risk Report

MetLife launches Everyday Risk Report

“Protection is almost viewed like you've got to eat your greens”

Cameron Roberts
clock 18 September 2025 • 2 min read
Limited number of adults have protection despite rising accident cases: MetLife

Limited number of adults have protection despite rising accident cases: MetLife

Second Everyday Risk Report launched

Jaskeet Briah
clock 17 September 2025 • 3 min read
NHS waiting list rises to 7.4m patients in July 2025

NHS waiting list rises to 7.4m patients in July 2025

Levels rebound from a two-year low

Jaskeet Briah
clock 11 September 2025 • 2 min read