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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to want time off work

84 replies

takingthepissoutofme · 13/01/2026 11:53

Through events I can't go into as will be outing, I have no one to cover me at work, holidays, sickness, appointments. I did have someone who could cover, but no longer here. There is a plan to replace that person but at current it's not possible. We are one of several remote units and our HO is based in another part of the country some 6 hours away. No one from another site or HO can cover me as they can't commute and none will agree to stay.

I have not had any time off for 6 months and i'm losing the will to live.

I just don't know what to do.

OP posts:
EleanorReally · 14/01/2026 07:34

can you organise your own temp?

Setyoufree · 14/01/2026 07:34

Do you have someone managing you though? It's up to them to figure out what to do without you and your assistant.

PennyLaneisinmyheartandmysoul · 14/01/2026 07:32

Who has told you to cancel the leave?

Original poster
takingthepissoutofme · 14/01/2026 07:30

I am the Manager here. My assistant manager 'left'. Had cover but no good. stringing me along saying it will be this date, it will be that date. I have cancelled holidays and I have come in when ill. I know I should grow a pair and just go off but it could cause more trouble than its worth, and I do suffer with anxiety sometimes and this would put it through the roof.

OP posts:
TrioOfTwats · 13/01/2026 12:00

Book your leave. Let them worry about cover. Its not your problem.

BudgetBuster · 13/01/2026 11:59

You have a legal entitlement to time off.
It is not up to you to worry about cover.
Surely the alternative is that you completely burn out and end up sick and thus not working anyway?

UnhappyHobbit · 13/01/2026 11:59

That must feel suffocating. Has your employer cancelled your annual leave after this person left the company?

BuffaloCauliflower · 13/01/2026 11:58

You must take the statutory minimum of 28 days at the very least, your employer is breaking the law if they do not allow this. If there’s no cover that’s for them to deal with not you. Who is your manager and what are they saying about your time off?

PurpleCoo · 13/01/2026 11:56

Then there is no cover. Put your out of office on. You are entitled to leave, so book it. It's up to management to arrange cover