My rights around Christmas Day working

rocketqueen

I’ve worked in social care for approx 10 years now and for the 1st 7 of them I worked at least part of every Christmas Day and Boxing Day (now I have a more senior role not on the care side and don’t work weekends or bank holidays.)

I was always happy to work as the people I was looking after needed us to make the day special for them (and assist with the day to day personal needs which don’t change as it’s Christmas Day.)

During these years despite always working my fair share, I was told by other care staff that I should work Xmas as I didn’t have children (not having children was not my choice - I have been Unable too)

I was also asked to stay on for the full day on Christmas Day, which I did despite having made plans and needing to work the entire following day for Boxing Day. The reason I was asked to stay...2 x staff were suddenly too ill to work their afternoon shift (which did result in disciplinary action for both the other staff.)

OP please speak to your manager about this or wait until the rota is out and see if you can swap the shift (if this is allowed) but please don’t phone in sick, as this will likely mean one of your colleagues is asked to change their plans at the last minute to cover you, or even worse those you care for at left at risk during to being short staffed.

z1a

marliepanda wrote: »

Your childcare issues are your own to sort. You work in a 24/7 365 job. Someone has to do it, and childless people should only do their fair share.

100% agree. You chose the job.

Wayne_O_Mac

ReadingTim wrote: »

I can only hope that one day, perhaps when you're old and infirm, maybe bedridden and needing to visit the toilet, someone takes that approach with you.

Potbelly is an idiot, but your response is just plain spiteful. You should be ashamed of yourself.

LilElvis

motorguy wrote: »

+1

I cant believe the O/P has absolutely NO immediate family, greater family or friends at all that wouldnt facilitate this for the few hours necessary if all else fails.

There definitely is someone as in the OP she says that the early shift would be fine, just not the later one.

Potbellypig

motorguy wrote: »

I said reason, you said excuse. Theres a difference.

It's just a job. An excuse is as good as a reason.

Potbellypig

Wayne_O_Mac wrote: »

Potbelly is an idiot, but your response is just plain spiteful. You should be ashamed of yourself.

If one is an idiot because they feel taking care of a sick child comes before a job, then I'm guilty. I certainly am.

marliepanda

Potbellypig wrote: »

If one is an idiot because they feel taking care of a sick child comes before a job, then I'm guilty. I certainly am.

You are talking about a FAKE sickness! :wall::wall::wall:

gettingtheresometime

Potbellypig wrote: »

If one is an idiot because they feel taking care of a sick child comes before a job, then I'm guilty. I certainly am.

I would agree with your statement on face value. However given you've suggested the OP pulls a fast one and tells the employer the child is sick as a way out does make you an idiot.

RichardD1970

Potbellypig wrote: »

If one is an idiot because they feel taking care of a sick child comes before a job, then I'm guilty. I certainly am.

But no one is on about really caring for a sick child.

You suggested that the OP lie to their employer and pretend their child was sick.

That would be gross misconduct. And if they have already raised issues about working the Christmas and asked to swap etc that would raise an immediate red flag.

Oh and there is no provision in employment law to allow time off to look after a sick child.

Andy_L

RichardD1970 wrote: »

Oh and there is no provision in employment law to allow time off to look after a sick child.

"As an employee you’re allowed time off to deal with an emergency involving a dependant...You’re allowed a reasonable amount of time off to deal with the emergency, but there’s no set amount of time as it depends on the situation.

Example

If your child falls ill you could take time off to go to the doctor and make care arrangements. Your employer may then ask you to take annual leave or parental leave if you want to look after your child for longer."

https://www.gov.uk/time-off-for-dependants