My child is sick and I need time to look after him/her, but my employer is refusing. Do I have any rights?

You have the right to take reasonable time off to deal with an emergency involving your child if he/she is ill and you need time to make arrangements for their care. This time is unpaid unless otherwise specified in your contract, or staff handbook

If your employer is refusing you time off for this purpose you should seek advice from your trade union representative or the Citizens Advice Bureau. You may be able to refer the matter to an employment tribunal, but there are strict time limits for making such claims.