Being off work and handing notice in?

sorken

Hi everyone,
So today I was going to hand my notice in however, yesterday my car broke down and now will be off work till the end of the week till it gets fixed. The problem is a live in a really remote area where there's no buses (I'm up at 5.30am) so the only way I would be able to get in is taxi which would cost me around 60 pound - one way!
They're obviously not happy about this as the season is starting and it's getting busy. Can I get dismissed over this?
My notice is 3 weeks so would I have to work 3 weeks when I get back or if I send it today would this week count? Sorry I'm not sure how it works..? I know if I was sick it would be a different story just not sure how it works when you dont have transport.
Thanks for you time and replys

HappyMJ

If you don't turn up to work then yes you can be dismissed.

If you hand in notice and your notice is 3 weeks then the employer may have a case to ask you to pay 3 weeks of pay back to them if you don't work. They would have to take you to a civil court to enforce that or they may take it out of any pay owing to you such as holiday pay.

Have you thought about hiring a car for the week? It may be cheaper than taxis.

sorken

Thanks for your reply,
Hiring a car here costs around 50 pound a day, I cant afford it. I dont even know if I can afford to get the car fixed!
Would paying them three weeks back apply if you get paid weekly?
Thanks

firesidemaid

can you get a lift/part public transport in and stay at work for the week ie. is there somewhere there or nearby to have a wash each day etc?

sorken

No, this is what I mean it would be different if I was up later, but I'm up at half 5 in the morning, nobody I know goes to work at that time in the morning or buses running. I couldnt even stay anywhere because my work is so remote I would still have to get taxis, which I cant afford.
I dont know what to do, just sit tight and hope they dont sack me!

MrSnuggles

sorken wrote: »

No, this is what I mean it would be different if I was up later, but I'm up at half 5 in the morning, nobody I know goes to work at that time in the morning or buses running. I couldnt even stay anywhere because my work is so remote I would still have to get taxis, which I cant afford.
I dont know what to do, just sit tight and hope they dont sack me!

How many miles away are we talking about? They have every reason to sack you. If I were you I'd negotiate borrowing money from the company for the taxi and pay back through your wages.

sorken

work is about 30 miles away

moneypuddle

I think you have to try and find a solution here rather than bringing up problems, because it just comes across as defensive. Do you know ANYBODY who would be willing to help? Borrow a bike? Yes its 30 miles, but I'd rather cycle to work 60 miles for a few days than lose my job. Get a loan and hire a car? This may cost but you would surely be better off than if you lost your job entirely? Do you have another job to go to?

To be having a car with an issue isn't a reason not to get to work, and I think your employers will either expect you to try a bit harder, or if you can't manage, take it as holiday. This could affect your reference from then

MrSnuggles

moneypuddle wrote: »

I think you have to try and find a solution here rather than bringing up problems, because it just comes across as defensive. Do you know ANYBODY who would be willing to help? Borrow a bike? Yes its 30 miles, but I'd rather cycle to work 60 miles for a few days than lose my job. Get a loan and hire a car? This may cost but you would surely be better off than if you lost your job entirely? Do you have another job to go to?

To be having a car with an issue isn't a reason not to get to work, and I think your employers will either expect you to try a bit harder, or if you can't manage, take it as holiday. This could affect your reference from then

I've cycled 50 miles one time and I had trouble walking the following day... 60 miles for 5-6 consecutive days is a nightmare, even if you're preparing for a cycling marathon which is typically 100 miles.

I know 30 miles cost about £20 for the petrol. Maybe ask a neighbour to get up early and drive you to work as a favor? Just pay £40 to cover the journey cost lol.

I would pay for the taxi if I'm out of options. It's just one week. I'd cycle if it was 30 miles a day, but 60 miles a day for a whole week is too taxing for the body.

sorken

Sorry, I didnt mean to come across as defensive at all. When I say remote.. I mean at the very edge of the highlands. The road climbs to over 150 meters. Anyway I'll leave it here.. Thanks for all your help and advice

Notmyrealname

sorken wrote: »

Thanks for your reply,
Hiring a car here costs around 50 pound a day,
Thanks

I live in the middle of nowhere and I can rent a car for £50 a week or less.