Furloughed and work wants me back in the office Monday with no childcare

[workingwithoutchildcare]

Im a single parent and was furloughed at the start of lockdown as we were not busy. Business has picked and my work has asked me today to go back into the office Monday 4 days a week. They said now there is work I don't meet criteria for the furloughed, which is rubbish as it can be used if you don't have childcare. I have two children one is in the year group that can go back, but it's only for 3 hours a day and other is in year 2 so can't go back to school yet. My work has given me the option to use holiday instead now. They have asked me if anyone else can help but parents are shielding and there dad is back at work himself and is not seeing the kids. If I quit I assume it would mess up my universal credits. Working from home would be very difficult with my mental health and two children who still need a lot of support and help homeschooling and a job that requires a lot of concentration. I have mental health problems as it is and I feel I am only just managing right now being on my own for weeks with two young children and not even a garden to escape to. I really don't know what I can do and wish they would just make me redundant if I'm honest.

[scochran]

Can you call your gp if you have had mental health problems before?

[Workingwithoutchildcare]

Is anyone else in a similar situation?

[WhyNotMe40]

I'm sending mine to a childminder

[ssd]

There needs to be clear government guidance on this, its not fair you are left in this situation.

[Judiwench]

Have you looked at childminders? It's an unfortunate situation but one many people are facing. If you are unwell, is sick leave an option?

[Ylvamoon]

Can you discuss taking unpaid parental leave with your employer? And don't forget, your DH is entitled to parental leave as well, so you can share!

Otherwise, l agree with ssd, there needs to be dome clear guidance from government.

[Judiwench]

@ssd

There needs to be clear government guidance on this, its not fair you are left in this situation.

What can the government do, realistically?

[Ylvamoon]

@Judiwench use the tools we already have like parental leave. Dependends leave... unfortunately unpaid. But if government would change it slightly to being able to take days rather than whole weeks for example, people could cope with schools operating part time or other sporadic childcare and still have a reduced income.

[TheABC]

This is going to happen a lot in the coming weeks.

Check around childminders or else talk to your ex; see if there's any way to share the load. Is there any way your kids would be classed as vulnerable, so the school can accept them? I am wondering if there may be an exception with your mental health.

Alternatively, I know of several households that have just moved in together to jointly care for DC's and parents, minimizing the risks where possible. I don't think the majority of school children will be back before September, so whatever solution you need now has to adjust to the summer holidays too. :-(

[BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz]

To those suggesting a CM - how do you propose the OP funds this?

[GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat]

With her job? Literally millions of people are going through financial hardship, it’s shit. Of course it is. The whole country is at the bottom, but unless we start putting one foot in front of the other, temporarily paying out more than we’re earning in some situations , then it will never get any better.

[SandieCheeks]

@BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz

To those suggesting a CM - how do you propose the OP funds this?

Most people either pay for childcare from their wages, or claim universal credit.

[ivykaty44]

I would ask your union for clarification on where you stand with this, alternative is to call ACAS and ask their advice

[HerLadySheep]

The furlough scheme continues to apply to those who are not able to work due to childcare issues. It's on the Government website, perhaps draw your employer's attention to this?
It's an awful situation to be in.

[LivingThatLockdownLife]

@GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat

With her job? Literally millions of people are going through financial hardship, it’s shit. Of course it is. The whole country is at the bottom, but unless we start putting one foot in front of the other, temporarily paying out more than we’re earning in some situations , then it will never get any better.

Temporarily paying out more than we're earning?

Yeah and then how will OP pay her bills?

You might earn enough to pay it all and save 000s a month. Most people don't have that luxury.

Ffs.

[CuriousaboutSamphire]

Government advice is that employers need to work with their employees as much as possible.

They can extend your furlough, give you more time to find child care

They can ask you to work from home, if that's possible

They can just tell you to go back to work, COVID safely.

There is no more hard and fast guidance, as they can't really make policy that would cover every possibility.

If your employer has decided you all need to return to work then all you can do is discuss your specific issues with them, see if you can work out a compromise. That's it!

Shit as it is for many, often women, it seems. I note your OH has gone back to you are the one having to work this out!

[Uhoh2020]

Furlough for child care issues is an option for employers not a given right for employees. Some employers will opt against this especially as they will soon have to contribute to the furlough payments and they actually need people back in work.
Have you asked them to continue the furlough? Could other family members or friends help you out maybe sharing child care for their children when they work? I know it's not all practical and houses aren't supposed to mix but realistically what other options are there

[GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat]

I don’t so don’t start with your ffs! I’m self employed and haven’t been working since March. I’ve got myself in to debt trying to keep my head above water so lay off with your accusing. I’ve earned jack shit and saved even less. Live is hard and everything is a bitch. Everyone is suffering so back off.

[EstherEliza]

Surely their dad has some responsibility in this? Can he go part time, work from home, pay towards child care and generally share the burden?

[TorkTorkBam]

Childminders round here are looking at closing down. You may find one who can work at short notice and be willing to bridge the gap until schools are properly back. It isn't like usual where a space with a good CM is a rare find.

[Kezmum14]

Have you looked at the list of key workers? It’s extensive and if your job is on it your other child will be allowed to attend school too. Good luck sorting it out. It’s just one of those things and I’m sure there will be thousands in the same position unfortunately 😢

[Trevsadick]

why is their dad not seeing them?

[CuriousaboutSamphire]

My apologies, I'm on my phone and couldn't check back on your OP.

No OH, but their dad seems to have chosen not to be involved....shit indeed.

[TaighNamGastaOrt]

Not sure I can help you op but we're going to be in a similar position shortly once we restart work. We have a childminder for after school,but have just had our working tax credits stopped as child at school, so have no way of paying cm.
In Scotland so schools don't go back til August, leaving us with no option but to take kids to work.
My boss is flexible but it's not ideal.
Surely can't be the only working parents in this situation, it's really worrying.