Being labelled unreliable as a working mum

As most pre-schools are term time only, what are you doing with your child during the school holidays?

But she does all her hours, and never misses a meeting or a deadline. What more do you want? Why does it matter that she uses her 1h lunch break to do the school pick up, while others use it to go to the cafe? Such archaic views!

Can I be honest, maybe it's a woman thing but I see it alot, everything seems to take so long, even simple tasks which can be done in 5 minutes can take half an hour to an hour and then they complain they have to much to do and it's not even like when they do it that it's any better.

Like when my ex used to go on about how hard it was and she would need a holiday with her mother so I would take a week or 2 off work and look after the kids (3) and it was a doddle, by 10am the house would be spotless, do any washing and and plan their tea and everything else that goes with it and at the time I was in a very stressful job (still am) and then in work I hear a lady go "being a mother is the hardest job in the world" 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 Ahhhhh I told her straight not to make me laugh, I do think nowadays people split up to easily and if the government wasn't there to bail out bad choices that woman wouldn't break up homes as much but the government likes it that way and you fall for it.

I've been there when mine were younger and it's soul destroying. It does get better as they get older.
I am a firm believer that is outcomes that matter xx

That’s not the same thing. You are entitled to the free hours AND tax free childcare.

No, for the amount you have to actually pay. Do you get it tax free?

My salary was pro-rated to adjust to the lower hours. 30 hours/35 hours = 85% of salary. But I do 1 long day a week, so it’s actually 33/35 = 94% of salary. But because Im only just in the higher tax bracket, those last few hours I was working attracted a higher tax amount anyway so I’m not really losing out all that much

You cannot possibly be focussing on work with 2 year old around.

In your shoes I'd ask for a formal flexible work request to stop at 3 and log back on at 7 30pm & make up the additional 2 or 2.5 hours then.

Or ask to go part time. You might lose less money than you expect due to the tax etc.

You can't just not have childcare and basically only do part time hours while expecting paying as if you are working full time.

You drop some hours and UC makes up the difference! So you end up with the same money but you have the time after preschool to look after your child. Instead of expecting your work to pay you when you're doing childcare.

Do you claim tax free childcare for the bits you pay for to get money off?

Could you perhaps do something like this, but then gain the hours back by doing one super long day if the money is so tight?

I have changed my hours to 9-3. Because it’s only 6 hours, I don’t legally need a lunch break, therefore I only technically drop an hour a day from a full time person, despite gaining 2 back. When I factor tax in, the drop in salary is minimal. Work were fully on board because it’s practically full time anyway.

I don’t think I could do what you are doing as I would always feel I wasn’t fully present for either work or my child- the two activities are too blurred.

So your salary is too high that you can’t claim the UC top up on top of your wages then?
Look into tax free childcare this will give you money off.

You say your son is at preschool- are there no 8-6 childcare facilities near you or near to your workplace. When my son was smaller I found it easier to have him at the nursery across the road from work.

So get it written in your contract.

If you are also meant to be doing 40 hours keep a record of when you are doing these. Some companies are also now monitoring time online so be aware of that too.

Yes!! Thankyou!!!!!!!!! Exactly this!!!!!!!

You're still not listening. No one said stop working and rely on universal credit. We said look into dropping your hours and getting topped up with universal credit.

You cannot work while looking after a toddler. Both your work and your parenting will not be good doing that.

I and plenty of others on the thread have been single parents of small children, and have had to make this work, you can too.

I just don't believe your CEO actually thinks you are looking after a toddler every day while being paid to work. That's not flexible working or family friendly working, it's taking the piss. Sorry.

I think the issue is there is a problem with the line manager (who might actually be basing their views on feedback from the team) and the issue of the OP is unavailable in the afternoons which is part of the working day (she has not confirmed this however).
While the OP says they are able to meet deadlines, what we don't really know for sure is whether they are fully engaged in working with the team and if the rest of the team are picking up the slack during the afternoon when she becomes unavailable. We only know that meetings are mostly in the mornings, she is unable to attend anything short notice (due to childcare....yet if it is a normal working day most people would be able to attend as it might just be a change in location such as meet at the office which shouldn't be an issue) and that she has her phone on her in the afternoon if they do need to call.
If it was formally agreed then I am sure no one would have any issue. However it sounds like the OP has only said she is taking an hour out to pick up the child but in reality is then having the afternoon off as she has the toddler to look after as well as trying to work.
She says the CEO is happy with the arrangement, but I am not convinced they know how frequently (i.e. every day) she is not available in the afternoon. If all was fine then I am sure she could get it formalised and written down by HR. Then her line manager would not be able to fuss over it.

👏 I agree. As women we are expected to work, be perfect mothers, pay bills, rent/mortgages, jump through hoops! If the CEO is happy and she is fulfilling her duties, then there’s no problem. Be more assertive when it comes to your line manager OP, the CEO is satisfied with your performance, stand up for yourself! People suggesting she reduce her hours and claim UC… this woman wants to work and contribute! Why should she take a step back in her career (and pension) if she doesn’t want to? We should be living in an equal society and supporting each other to do so!!