Care in the community

One of the library assistants came into work rather upset because her mother had died this weekend. She asked for time off on Friday for the funeral.

"No, you can't have leave, we've already got three people off that day and we can't provide cover."

"Well, can I have the afternoon off? The funeral's at 2pm."

"This is very inconvenient. We can't spare you."

"Well, look, this is my mother I'm burying. Can I at least take my lunch hour late so that I can go to the funeral?"

"Oh I suppose so if it can't be helped."