Can't commute to work-what to do?

Doris272 · 16 August 2020 at 2:09PM

Hi to all of you. I am having a problem at work. Basically in May during the coronavirus I lost my lifts to work. I asked to move me to different shift so I could get some lifts from someone else and my partner. My manager said ok, he moved me until the end of the lockdown. 2 weeks ago he told me he needs to move me back to my original shift as there is an unbalance. It is not totally true as the business is not busy at the moment. Last Wednesday I went home because there was nothing to do. The problem is, the person who gave me lifts on my original shift doesn't want to do this anymore. I don't blame her. The bus which was my option going every two hours(coronavirus) and the last one is before 7pm, so I can't get for a Night shift. I told my main manager that I can't physically get to work. I asked them to leave me on the temporary shift until I finish my driving licence, which is soon hopefully as I've just passed theory part and booked practice for the end of September. They don't care. They asked me to come back on nights even when I told them I can come back on afternoons or mornings the following week as I can catch the bus. I am part time 2,3 days per week) and I am not so important worker. I tried to book of half day for tomorrow and Tues, it's been denied. I am really stressed as I live 5 miles away from work and can't imagine to walk in the dark 1,5hrs where there is no pavement. I am not belong to union so can't get help there. Thanks in advance for any help

Nick212010 · 16 August 2020 at 2:19PM

The harsh reality is, it’s not your employer’s responsibility to ensure you get to and from work - it’s yours. If you’ve exhausted all options, you may have to think about finding a job closer to home or one with an easier commute.

[Deleted User] · 16 August 2020 at 2:22PM

A bike seems the easy immediate solution.

lincroft1710 · 16 August 2020 at 2:25PM

What about buying a bike?

Unfortunately it is the employee's responsibility to ensure they are able to get to work, the employer is not obliged to change shifts, hours etc to enable an employee to get to work

Caz3121 · 16 August 2020 at 3:19PM

what about taxis?

Doris272 · 16 August 2020 at 3:34PM

Deleted_User said:

A bike seems the easy immediate solution.

I used to biking to my old job but now I live in valley and my workplace is very up the hill. I tried once but honestly after 10 mins I had to push the bike as I couldn't manage the hill.Caz3121 said:

what about taxis?

Unfortunately I can't afford it as I am only part time and one way taxi would cost me £15. Once I've tried to get a taxi to get fortfor night shift I've been told by a few taxi guys that they don't drive so late.

I know it's my responsibility to sort out transport but it's not my fault that because coronavirus I lost lifts and buses. They are so malicious they denied holiday request even if no one else is booked off. It's stressing and upsetting me so much that I've started to think about sick note due to stress...

lincroft1710 · 16 August 2020 at 5:24PM

Doris272 said:

They are so malicious they denied holiday request even if no one else is booked off. It's stressing and upsetting me so much that I've started to think about sick note due to stress...

Which as well as reducing your income will give your employer ammunition to dismiss you on grounds of excessive sick leave

SpreadableToast · 16 August 2020 at 5:30PM

Doris272 said:

Deleted_User said:

A bike seems the easy immediate solution.

I used to biking to my old job but now I live in valley and my workplace is very up the hill. I tried once but honestly after 10 mins I had to push the bike as I couldn't manage the hill.Caz3121 said:

what about taxis?

Unfortunately I can't afford it as I am only part time and one way taxi would cost me £15. Once I've tried to get a taxi to get fortfor night shift I've been told by a few taxi guys that they don't drive so late.

I know it's my responsibility to sort out transport but it's not my fault that because coronavirus I lost lifts and buses. They are so malicious they denied holiday request even if no one else is booked off. It's stressing and upsetting me so much that I've started to think about sick note due to stress...

It's not really a Coronavirus issue though is it? The person giving you lifts could have just decided they didn't want to give you a lift anymore, irrespective of COVID. Or they could have moved to a different shift, job, etc. Bus timetables can and do change too, particularly on underused routes.

As others have said, it is ultimately your responsibility on how you get to work and frankly being reliant on someone else to get you into work was always a risky move.

The_Fat_Controller · 16 August 2020 at 6:15PM

Electric bike or cheap moped.

sheramber · 16 August 2020 at 6:23PM

Can your partner not give you lifts until you pass your test?

[Deleted User] · 16 August 2020 at 6:38PM

I sympathise because was once in similar situation, remote part with infrequent bus services, but as others say, it is not your employers problem. If you want to hold onto this job until you pass your test you may have to juggle the ways you get to work e.g. on night shifts perhaps your partner can take you/pick you up? You might be able to get the bus to work on occasions and a taxi home? (intrigued as to where you live if taxis don't run late?) Or perhaps you can ask other colleagues if they may be able to help out temporarily? If it is only 2 or 3 days a week am sure you can figure something out or alternatively look for something more accessible?