Leave of absence

[Foxglove]

I run a small business and employ one worker. He is excellent. Unfortunately his young baby is very ill and he needs time off which could run to three months or so. I am glad to allow him to do this  as I care about him and his family. However, I cannot afford to pay him as I will need to get someone in temporarily to do his work. How can I get around this? I don't want him to be in financial need at this terrible time yet the business would go under otherwise. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[WoWo]

There seems to be nothing you can do. You just need to explain to him the situation. Is there any way he could work part time?

[Scarlett]

If he is on a casual contract, there is nothing you can do. He should have his own insurance to cover unemployment or sickness in cases like this. Just keep his job open for him, offer him part time hours and find someone else asap.