This is an unexpected or unplanned absence from work, including sick leave or grievance leave. There may be requirements for employees to provide documentation to the organization when this leave is taken, (such as a medical certificate), in order to be paid for the leave.

Organizations must ensure that a procedure is put in place for unplanned leave, this is because in some cases employees tend to be untruthful about their leave and because the employer does not have anything put in place, no action can be taken. It is therefore important that employers put together a set procedure for unplanned leave