I worked as a Clerical Officer with the then NHS Local Executive Council for a [very] short spell of six months in 1967 ... during which time, my fiancee's father died following a prolonged period of ill health.

I approached my boss - whose glorified title was Clerk to the Council - in order to request an afternoon off for the funeral and was informed I'd be give the choice of a mere two hours leave of absence or forfeit half a day's pay.

I opted for the latter and the bd stuck to his threat.

I very soon found another job ... not that I'm advocating you
(a Senior Charge Nurse) do anything quite so drastic, Philip ... I merely wish to point out the level of meanness to which some people "in high places" will stoop, in trying to "play God"!