An impossible situation

alyth

I work for the same employer, albeit it only at weekends as I'm a mature student. I read this post earlier then went back to studying - but one thing kicks out at me - if you already work Saturdays, then why are you being asked to work extra shifts on a Sunday? You say it is company policy that everyone works at least one day at weekends - not in my store, there are people who only work weekdays.

It depends on how long you have worked there - do you want to rock the boat? I have a work colleague who works 8-5 on a Sunday and pays someone to look after her children - that may be one option for you.

I have to admit though I've found my employers to be wonderful, I've had to change my Friday shifts three times over 2.5 years due to uni classes and never ever had a problem. One of the main problems however with our employer is whether your face fits...

Mootoo

Thanks for everyone's replies. You've given me a lot to think about!

In reply to alyth, I don't work weekends at all at the moment, though my contracted hours state Saturday 12-8 as one of my shifts. Though it also states Tuesday 12-4 and Thursday 12-5. It was a newly opened store and I've not worked these shifts since the initial rush died down and the rotas were reworked. I didn't have a written agreement in place for my new 9-2 shifts that I've been doing since Mum died. Wish I'd insisted on it now It's interesting that you say there are people in your store who don't work weekends. I checked the actual wording on my contract, it says they can change your hours as needed to suit the business, and this *may* include a weekend day. Not that it has to, but that it may. That to me, will be my argument focus I think.

My other problem is that it is a fairly small coastal town where I live/work, and childminders are few and far between! If I could find one that worked weekends I'd be ok, but there's only one that does and she's no spaces. They've got to be registered so I can claim for childcare from tax credits, I wouldn't earn enough on a 6hr Sunday shift to be able to pay out of my own pocket!

Thanks everyone for your replies, I'll keep you updated

Mootoo

cr1mson wrote: »

Is there anyone who you can swap childcare with i.e. you care for their child/children whilst they work and they care for yours whilst you work?

I know you say you're a single parent but is Dad involved at all? If so could he help? If not him what about his parents? I know these may not be options.

C

He's in England, as is his family, and I'm in Scotland. We're friendly and amicable, but he moved back to his hometown after we split.