Can't commute to work-what to do?

epm-84

Doris272 said:

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.

Have you told both the bus operator and your local authority that the bus doesn't run at the times you need it?  Many have decided emergency timetables based on what they think is needed and have been willing to make modifications to the timetable, unlike Northern trains.

Hasbeen

Niv said:

5 miles = get a bike. Lower the gear for getting up the hill, you will get better over time too. There is little downside to using a bike for that distance.

Shanks Pony
Bike,
Electric bike.
Moped. 
50cc Motorcycle
Taxi
Car

nicechap

Doris272 said:

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

Covid is irrelevant to your dilemma, your lack of union membership is your choice.  You don't say how long you've worked there but you could consider a flexible working request, which they only have to consider and as they've already declined your leave request doesn't bode well.  I don't understand why a last bus at 7pm prevents a night shift, it sounds like it helps it.

So you need to weigh up the income, costs & other benefits/ disbenefits of your part time work against the likelihood of finding alternative employment or applying for benefits.  Walking, cycling, scootering are all possible choices, again, but ultimately its up to you whether you want the job and will make an effort rather than blame lack of a lift by a third party your situation.  Presumably you've taken into account how much you gave the third party for the lifts.  

John_

Five mikes by bike will be about thirty minutes if you’re taking it easy. Yes, the hills can be a bit tough at first, so walk up if you can’t cycle any more.

sillyvixen

5 miles is not far, get a high viz vest and walk or cycle so you will be seen by other road users in the dark. When my mum was a child her school was 7 miles away all the children from her village used to walk together there and back along country lanes all year round (it was dark in the winter months).

[Deleted User]

How did your employer recruit you for the long term, knowing the travel could be an issue. Forgive me I've had lots of interviews where an employer's conversation has gone where do you live, how will you get here... I'm in North Essex / south west Suffolk - I see signs for Chelmsford in my town but it doesn't mean any employer there will have me. Time spent getting to work just extends the sentence, 5 and a half months on will turn into 12 months in my case, I'll be like thanks very much - time served will help. Like I'd indicate what has changed for your employer not to support you. Going sick when not genuine isn't ever really going to help.

SpreadableToast

Deleted User said:

How did your employer recruit you for the long term, knowing the travel could be an issue. Forgive me I've had lots of interviews where an employer's conversation has gone where do you live, how will you get here... I'm in North Essex / south west Suffolk - I see signs for Chelmsford in my town but it doesn't mean any employer there will have me. Time spent getting to work just extends the sentence, 5 and a half months on will turn into 12 months in my case, I'll be like thanks very much - time served will help. Like I'd indicate what has changed for your employer not to support you. Going sick when not genuine isn't ever really going to help.

They live five miles away, I doubt most employers would be asking that question over such a small distance.  North Essex to Chelsmford is far, far further away. That's why employers are asking you how you'll get there.

gettingtheresometime

Many many moons ago I travelled daily from South Wales to Bristol for work.  I wasn't senior management but I did it because I needed a job.

Unless the OP is in an area of high employment & can walk into another job, I'd be thinking of ways of how I could get to work rather than why I couldn't do x, y or z. Of course even if they could walk into another job, they'd be resetting the clock on any employment protection rights. 

warby68

You live 5 miles from work.
Saying you 'can't' commute is not credible. 
Fair enough you want a nice easy and probably cheap option but for a while at least that isn't available.
None of this is on your employer - they have made adjustments but now want you in a different position.
You have a decision to make,  the job with some inconvenience to yourself or no job.
As it sounds like some other options may crop up over time and most people at the moment need their job, its probably worth the inconvenience until a better one turns up.
The main thing here is that you seem to feel your employer is being unfair - understanding that getting yourself to work is your responsibility will help you approach this productively. If you whinge and whine and keep asking for certain shifts that suit you best, their patience may run out. Harsh words but important nonetheless - employers are not there to do you favours, some will if they can. Most won't. Employers like people with a 'can do' approach and soon tire of 'can't do'.

Dobbibill

OP - if you have your practical test booked for the end of Sept then it is only for a month so hopefully no bad winter months for you to walk, cycle in dark lanes etc. £15 per journey for a taxi in the short term could work. Walk one way if it's fine. Use the money you have set aside for a car when you pass - it will mean getting a cheaper car but pros/cons etc.

If you were sent home from work because there was nothing to do then your employer has a valid reason to expect you to change back to the other shift - paying someone to do nothing is not a good business model.

Good luck for your driving test.