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Hello,
Basically my son is 5 and i have been split from his mother for over 4 years...
I work for the sheffield council as a mobile carteaker which you generally work split shifts (7-11.30-3-6 ish)
More than 2years ago i requested flexible working, they declined saying its not good for there service as schools need somebody to open and lock...
Then a few months later they gave me a job, but did not change my contract...(so i was still classed as a mobile caretaker) i was doing the new job doing Legionella water testing around sheffield and normally did 7-3 flexi...
so the last 18months of doing the job i have been picking my son up from school every wedneday and friday and having him overnite friday thru to sat or sunday night!
My T**T of a boss approached me last November on a friday evening to say he was putting me back on caretaking on the following monday?!! with no notice!!!!
I worked for around a month and was lucky enough to finish early on weds and friday. due to working for nice headteachers...then my supervisor got on my case and said i cant do that?
Since then i have been off work as i found working very stressful without seeing my son much..and new that it was also having an impact on my son...
Ive always been a very active dad, and see my son as much as possible..
Im due back to work this friday....i made a complaint to the council last november about my hours and my managers attitude towards the whole thing..and basically they dont seem interested at all..
Just saying they will try there best to put me somewhere with straight hours but cant make any promises!!!
Any advice on what i can do?
Or is looking for another job my only option?
Thanks
Chaz
Hi Chaz
I have attached the page from the Direct gov website about flexible working - which states that you are entitled to apply for a flexible working pattern if you have parental responsibility for a child under 17.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/employment/employees/flexibleworking/dg_10029491
It does not mean they have the right to grant it but the must formally respond within a certain period, and arrange a meeting with you
You meed to ask your boss for the policy on flexible working and an application form.
You should also have the right to appeal
Good luck
Thanks,
well i have been sent another form to fill in to request flexible working, but my manager 4 weeks ago told me they cannot accommodate flexible working due to the nature of my job..
So i know my request will yet again be refused as it did over two years ago..
I will have to find another job with more flexible hours, especially towards fathers..!!
Thanks again..
Hi cha2man,
Welcome to DadTalk - You work for the council, do you have a union rep? Maybe a good place to go to have a discussion about your working pattern. You may find you get a little more success with union backing.
Gooner
Thanks,
well i have been sent another form to fill in to request flexible working, but my manager 4 weeks ago told me they cannot accommodate flexible working due to the nature of my job..
So i know my request will yet again be refused as it did over two years ago..
I will have to find another job with more flexible hours, especially towards fathers..!!
Thanks again..
My girlfriend is a nurse and has had the same forms and the same conversations, I'd say same as gooner try the union see if they can help
Thanks for your replies..
As far as union goes..ive been having communication with a union rep for the Last 5months as i made a complaint regarding my manager and flexible working for myself..
And basically the council and my managers said that its not possible for me to have flexible working as it would affect there business, as i work on schools..
However i had a return to work meeting today and my line manager and his manager have been moved over to a different part of the council, and now two female managers are in place.
Who both seemed very nice and told me to submit another request for flexible working...tho i was told they cannot make any promises they can help, they will try...
However i had a return to work meeting today and my line manager and his manager have been moved over to a different part of the council, and now two female managers are in place.
Who both seemed very nice and told me to submit another request for flexible working...tho i was told they cannot make any promises they can help, they will try...
That sounds positive....... 🙂
Keep us posted.
Gooner
Now that does positive and remember to be open to negotiation if you have a meeting - offer a trial period - and then it is up to you to make it work
Let us know how you get on
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