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hi everyone
Am new to this I have looked at various discussions with regards to my topic. Now I have a six year old in full time education I have no family support to look after my child while i work. As well as my situation I have explained to my boss I can't work weekends, christmas and bank holidays so instead of working bank holidays I've agreed to work on my week day off which is normally a friday so this has been overcome but now christmas holidays are looming and my boss said we are NOT allowed to take time off at Christmas. My son goes to breaky club in morning and an excellent nursery during after school and all other holidays except the nursery closes two weeks at christmas I have not yet taken any of my holiday this year specifically because christmas.....please could someone advise as I may have or may not have it sorted this year but I'll be in the same predicament next year as I do not know of anyone who will sit my child during christmas especially on the specific day of boxing day and new eve and new years day!
Hello seacat and welcome
Childcare is such as massive issue with working parents and it is particularly hard if you have to work Boxing day and New Year's Day, as well as the fact that the nursery is shut for two weeks. I have a couple of suggestions:
Firstly whilst I understand the demands of the job over Christmas, you need the boss to have "some" flexibility. First have a look at this page (click) Are in in a union? I am guessing not. You can also get some free advice from the ACAS Helpline, Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm and Saturday, 9am-1pm: 08457 47 47 47.. You explained that you had no childcare at Christmas when you took the job and you have worked extra in lieu. I am wondering if you have anything in writing?
Secondly, the other side of the coin is other childcare provision. Contact the Children and Families Information Service (click) for your area. Another thing I would try is asking the parents of your sons' friends. You could do a brief letter saying that you need help, with the dates, and print off a few copies. Make sure you say that you will pay the person (it needn't be much) or better still offer some childcare in return, such as their child to stay the night while they go to their Christmas do? Hand the letter to the friends saying you are saying this in a letter as you did not want to embarrass them. Another idea is to ask at the nursery whether individual members of staff are available on odd days during the closure to care for your son at your home. BUT I very much hope you do get at least SOME time off as per my suggestions above.