Can or should I leave my job?

chilli_em

Hi.
I am a single parent with a part time job. A week before school is due to start my childminder has told me she is no longer able to look after my child, 7. I use three school pick ups a week usually and I think she had a better offer, fair enough.
Now tho, I'm stuck for childcare. I can't work school hours only, other staff have these hours already. I've been ringing round and I can't find childcare anywhere.
It looks like I will have to quit my job. Will it be considered that I have left my job voluntarily, what am I likely to recieve? I'm abenefits novice. (I have a council home so no mortgage, or savings).
Hope someone can help

AnxiousMum

Does your child's school have an after school club? Perfect arrangement for the odd day where you need some help with childcare. Or, do you know any of the other mum's who pick their children up? I'd bet that a friend would help out until you get something that you can rely on more regularly.

If you just go ahead and quit your job, you will likely find you are sanctioned for a period for voluntarily leaving, and then what would you live on?

Sodapop

You're legally entitled to something called "time off for dependents" - it's not paid, but it's time off to look after dependents, including children, including when a childcare arrangement breaks down. You qualify for this from day 1.

Also as a parent you could put in a request for flexible working - I was going to post a link but it won't let me as I'm a new user (which is driving me mad but anyway) so instead you need to google "DirectGov flexible working" to get all the info. It's not enough if they just say "other people have those hours, tough".