Universal credits and dismissal... help?

Ticklepenny

Hello,
Quick background: single mum with 2 kids, no reliable help from local family (the ex and his parents) and my family live 200 miles away.
I was on universal credits for a couple of months whilst finding a new job. Found a new job and today (3 weeks into new job) I was informed at an appointment my son requires a small op under general which will take 3-4 days recovery. The new company I work for are known for being really strict with new starters and I am really worried about being dismissed, but at the same time there is nothing I can do about the fact that my son needs the op and I will need to look after him whilst he recovers.

Basically does anyone know where I will stand with universal credit if I am let go from a new job because of this? Stressing out as I thought everything was just starting to look up, now worried things will come crashing down. (And yes I have anxiety... meds help but don’t cover sudden stress).

John_Jones

I think that it is a bit early to be thinking about universal credit. You will get holidays from work, so explain, as soon as possible, about the operation, and book some leave to cover it.

No point worrying about what-ifs yet.

[Deleted User]

Just show them the appointment letter, you'll likely be alright as Employers do have to take childcare into consideration.

We've had some changes to work pattern times and I've seen they couldn't change those on the floor that have childcare responsibilities.
Likewise they can't stop us staff going to doctors and dentists appointments as long as we have the text message confirmation to show.

Anyone with half a heart will understand your situation.

marliepanda

Deleted%20User wrote: »

Just show them the appointment letter, you'll likely be alright as Employers do have to take childcare into consideration.

We've had some changes to work pattern times and I've seen they couldn't change those on the floor that have childcare responsibilities.
Likewise they can't stop us staff going to doctors and dentists appointments as long as we have the text message confirmation to show.

Anyone with half a heart will understand your situation.

No company ‘has to’ take 3/4 days into consideration for a child’s operation. This is simply not a thing.

Companies can also require people to make appointments on their days off and do not have to give time off for doctors and dentists.

Masomnia

I assume Keepcalm is referring to Parental leave. That won't apply here though as a legal right.

OP suggest you have a chat with your employers ASAP about taking it as annual leave. Most are perfectly reasonable, and the more notice you can give them the better.

No point worrying about something that might not happen.

naughtyjo

Most employers are understanding especially when it comes to something like this. You are protected against discrimination due to caring responsibilities so it!!!8217;s unlikely imo they would sack you or be unreasonable
Just talk to them

m_i

Time off to look after your child

If you have a child who is under 18, you have the right to take time off work to look after them - this is called parental leave. You must have worked for your employer for at least a year before you can take this leave.

The leave won’t be paid unless your contract of employment says so. You don't have to take this leave all at the same time, but you should take it in 1 week blocks.

You can take up to 18 weeks off for each child you have before they’re 18, but your employer can limit you to taking no more than 4 weeks off for each child in a year.

marliepanda

m_i wrote: »

Time off to look after your child

If you have a child who is under 18, you have the right to take time off work to look after them - this is called parental leave. You must have worked for your employer for at least a year before you can take this leave.

The leave won’t be paid unless your contract of employment says so. You don't have to take this leave all at the same time, but you should take it in 1 week blocks.

You can take up to 18 weeks off for each child you have before they’re 18, but your employer can limit you to taking no more than 4 weeks off for each child in a year.

OP has been in work 3 weeks.

marliepanda

naughtyjo wrote: »

Most employers are understanding especially when it comes to something like this. You are protected against discrimination due to caring responsibilities so it!!!8217;s unlikely imo they would sack you or be unreasonable
Just talk to them

Sacking someone would not be unreasonable.

You are employed to do a job. You can!!!8217;t just take random days off to care for children.

Parental leave is described below and the OP isn!!!8217;t even close to qualifying. All she could do is request leave or shift changes and hope for the best.

naughtyjo

Decent employers tend to be family friendly and I never said sacking somebody was unreasonable
If your kids are ill or need operations it!!!8217;s not random days off