Ron, employed in the same job for a number of years, cared for his elderly father. After some time, his father developed symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, and Ron asked his boss if he could have extra time off at lunchtime to go home and make sure his father was OK. He said he didn't want to leave his father alone for any longer than half a day at a time.
Ron offered to make up the time at the end of the day, so that he was still doing his full-time hours. He said his sister could stay with his father until he got home at night. The boss refused, saying he wasn't 'running a charity' and Ron would work the hours he was told. Ron could lodge a complaint of discrimination on the basis of family responsibilities.