Re: Can Employer Sack Me due to child being ill?

newbie2012

Hi There,

I've had to take some time off, quite frequently due to lack of childcare. I'm a full time parent and through no fault of her own she is suffering with a few illnesses, some controlled others out of our hands. I work 6 days a week and I try so hard but the nursery can't have him and people I rely on are now ill.

Obviously it's no good for them but I'm now worrying I will be sacked or laid off due to appointments/time off etc

Podge52

How long have you worked for your present employer?

Nicki

You are only legally entitled to take emergency leave to arrange care for an ill dependent not time off to actually care for them yourself so yes if your employer objects to you taking annual leave at short notice for this reason or if you have run out of annual leave you could be subject to disciplinary action.

Could you not investigate emergency childcare cover for such situations? There are nanny and childcare agencies who will provide a nanny on a few hours notice for as long as you need to take care of a sick child. That isn't a cheap option but better than losing your job! It does mean you are leaving your child with a stranger albeit a trained and police checked stranger, but if you genuinely have no friends or family who are able to help out there isn't much alternative.

Takeaway_Addict

If you're not reliable then yes they can. Is the father around, can they share some of the time away from work?

superbigal36

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4833911

Thought you were moving.