Advice required re needing to be at home with sick child.

rachnbri

zzzLazyDaisy wrote: »

You have no legal right to time off to care for your sick child.

As another poster has said, the only legal right is for time off in an unforseen emergency, to give you time to make arrangements for a dependent to be cared for.

However, that does not help you in this situation - I can see that you would want to be with your child who has suddenly gone blind. What a terrible thing to happen.

One thing to consider - if paid leave is at the manager's discretion, do you know of colleagues in similar situations who have been given longer time off work? Is your work particularly difficult to cover? Whilst the decision may be in the manager's discretion, the employer does have a duty to exercise discretion fairly, and not make arbitrary or capricious decisions.

But ultimately, if you cannot find a way round all this, then yes, if your GP will sign you off sick, then that is probably your best way forward.

One of my colleagues (with a different manager) was given over a week off when his dog was sick!

My work doesn't need to be covered - there's nothing I can't pick up when I go back to work.

To be honest, I know what the legal position is regarding unpaid time off etc, but my argument is that my employer specifically has these paid special leave provisions - which I appreciate are generous - but whether or not you can access them seems to depend, not on your situation, but on your manager.

rachnbri

LinasPilibaitisisbatman wrote: »

Why exactly is it you think your employer and colleagues should suffer for your lifestyle
My child has gone blind - hardly a lifestyle choice.


They have already been generous and given you ample opportunity to arrange alternative care and you plan to repay this by conning a sick note out of the doctor too get your own way.
I wouldn't say I was "conning" anyone - I am under stress and displaying many physical and emotional symptoms of stress. It's not like I'm stamping my feet because I can't go away for a jolly.
As for no annual leave. Could you confirm what your annual leave period is.

You really are quite an unpleasant person aren't you.

samr_2

rachnbri wrote: »

Unfortunately I just can't afford to lose a weeks pay.

I need access to specific IT systems for my job so can't work from home at all - if I could that would be the best option as I know I'm going to have shedloads to catch up on when I get back!!

Have you checked if access to the systems can be given to you if you work from home? It may be possible.

Alternatively, ask if you can take holidays from next years leave but say that you will try and make the time up before then?


If he is ok in himself, could he go to school? I'm sure the school and his friends would help him cope?
Fingers crossed his sight returns soon

Poppy9

I understand you are in a dreadful situation. As I see it you can go sick and no doubt you will then get some hassle at work as they will know you've played a sickie or you can ask for unpaid leave.

I work LA and we have special leave but it's very limited and the most I've known someone have is 8 1/2 days to take her partner for chemo every week over an eight week period. The remainder of time had to come from her annual leave and she has now taken 2 years unpaid leave to care for her partner and family.

Women with sick children don't get much sympathy in the work place I'm afraid which is why I am always conscious of keeping a weeks leave for emergencies. However I am in the fortunate position that I am part-time so I can make up any days I need to the following week.

dmg24

Have you spoken directly to HR? Whilst your line manager may not like it, HR may be a little more compassionate. If you are not getting anywhere I would politely note that a colleague got more favourable treatment, and whilst you are not demeaning their circumstances, you feel that yours are comparable.

I do hope you get something sorted. If it is any help, a friend had the same condition, and did get her full sight back. So scary at the time though x

Poppy9

Just a thought. Are you in a union as they have a welfare officer and if you need money due to taking unpaid leave they can often help, or they could try to reach a compromise with your employer.

magic57

I'm so sorry that one particular person has been so unhelpful which has probably not helped your situation at all.

My thoughts are with you and your son. How is he coping?

A reminder to some that this board is for help and support not passing judgement about matters you know nothing about!

Poppy9

Did you manage to sort anything out with your employer?

doodlesmum

Hope you managed to get something sorted a sick child comes first simple as no matter what some say my daughter was really poorly last night ended up in ae my employer had no qualms about me having day off today and my work collegues were brillant we all have children so we fully understand there are times when they need you.Hope your son gets better soon.

Horace

As you are displaying signs of stress (being tearful at work) then perhaps you would be better seeing your GP and being signed off for a while, you can look after your son at the same time and still be paid. Its worth a thought.

I hope your son's sight improves - I know what its like to have impaired sight and the frequent trips to the eye hospital.