Wife forced to leave work - what benefits are we entitled to?

debnlee_2

go on the http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/index.htm website, click on employment then under work and families click on maternity rights and theres all different links to go to its a brill site tells you everything you need to know, including returning to work after smp

calleyw

pandora205 wrote: »

At that point I contacted my union for advice, who indicated that this was in effect sex discrimination, as this request was only likely be made by a woman and hence the employer should accommodate if possible. A few months before there had been legal precedent set in court and this case was quoted by the union.

I was under the impression that it was same for carers they have a right to request flexi time but it does not mean it has to granted. Some jobs you can't do as flexi time.

So if an employer refused a female carer such as my self flexi time I could take them to court saying that because carers are normally females it is sex discrimination.

Yours


Calley

cw18

Carer's are now (I believe) covered by the disability discrimation act, which is different. This is why you should apply for carer's allowance even if you know the claim will be rejected due to your income -- you can still be given an 'underlying entitlement' which gives you this extra protection at work.

But yes, I've read that there are lots of rules in place that mean an employer has to (where safe) do their utmost to fit in with the requirements of someone with a young family -- but it's not something I've followed as I don't have young children, and DD works in a job that requires minimum cover so seems to be exempt (she actually works in a private pre-school nursery, so they have to maintain the staff/children ratio).

cazziebo

The employer has to consider each case, and can only refuse on "reasonable" grounds. I've found if the employee can produce a good alternative, demonstrating how her work can be covered, shared or completed, then there is much more chance that the request is approved.

First and foremost the employer must consider the interests of the business, and if flexible working at all hinders that then that's grounds for refusal. Impact on other employees can be a reason to refuse a request for flexible working.

Of course the other side of the coin is that it's good practice to accommodate good employees.

shop-to-drop

Your wife should look at getting a job at the local supermarket. That's what I do to fit around my 3 children. They are incredibly flexible to fit around your family circumstances. They need people 24/7, I work 2 nights while my kids are sleeping some of the mums whose husbands work away sometimes are able to change their nights to accommodate, shift swap etc.

Yes it can be tiring and may lose family time if working weekends but if you need the money it is a means to an end and also you meet others that are in the same situation and can support you.

calleyw

cw18 wrote: »

Carer's are now (I believe) covered by the disability discrimation act, which is different. This is why you should apply for carer's allowance even if you know the claim will be rejected due to your income -- you can still be given an 'underlying entitlement' which gives you this extra protection at work.

So if I don't attempt to claim carers then I don't have extra protection at work.

I can't believe that is true. My husband does not get middle rate care (another story and not for here)so I could not claim anyway. But I am carer as he can not live unsupported now.

Yours

Calley

cw18

I was told to put in a claim (even though it would be turned down due to income) in order to get this protection, so I'm purely going by that

Oldernotwiser

shop-to-drop wrote: »

Your wife should look at getting a job at the local supermarket. That's what I do to fit around my 3 children. They are incredibly flexible to fit around your family circumstances. They need people 24/7, I work 2 nights while my kids are sleeping some of the mums whose husbands work away sometimes are able to change their nights to accommodate, shift swap etc.

That's a terribly generalised thing to suggest! The OP's wife may well be a professional woman or someone with a high level of trade skills. Just because women have babies doesn't mean that they're fit for nothing other than shelf filling in a supermarket.

shop-to-drop

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

That's a terribly generalised thing to suggest! The OP's wife may well be a professional woman or someone with a high level of trade skills. Just because women have babies doesn't mean that they're fit for nothing other than shelf filling in a supermarket.

It is better than doing nothing which is what the OP suggests. I am a graduate myself and have no problems with working in a supermarket. I think you are the one who is generalising about supermarket workers.

calleyw

cw18 wrote: »

I was told to put in a claim (even though it would be turned down due to income) in order to get this protection, so I'm purely going by that

May ask who told you put in a claim.

As i might ask my local carers support group about it.

As it seems strange that to get rights you have to apply for a benefit that you can't get.

Yours


Calley