On the date of his resignation the employee would have received $4,000 under the original sick leave policy.

Following its last internal survey it made many changes, including reviewing its compassionate leave policy and holding quarterly company meetings simultaneously in both locations.

Ask to see a copy of your company's leave policy, which should not only state equal treatment of employees, but consideration of personal circumstances.

If you want a break from work altogether you should check whether your employer has a formal carer's leave policy.

One member of the 12-strong committee voted against the cut in rates, preferring to leave policy unchanged.