For the last 3.5 years I have been working from home almost exclusively, except when there’s been an event in the office or a particular important meeting. In the last year I’ve been in 3 times.
Last week my new manager announced that he wants me in the office once a week. Everyone has flexibility but most want to go in one day a week so it was just me who was utilising working from home more. I have good reason, I am a lone parent with no support and to travel into the office now costs around 45 quid a time due to increase in rail fares and I have to be there to collect dd from nursery.
There is no reason for me to be in the office. I am fully able to do work remotely. There has been no specific reason given for this change other than a ‘general move to more office based.’ I feel like I am being made to struggle as a lone parent. I cannot keep my job if I have to do this journey and travel a 4.5 hour round trip once a week, I am already clinging on to coping as it is.
Surely this isn’t right to change the goalposts? I know you usually look to your contract but 3.5 years of working practice in this way must count for something?