I've been offered an interview but I can't attend 😔

[Dickorydockwhatthe]

As its in working hours. I work 9am until 3pm term time so I'm not allowed time off due to ratios, even though I'm on a zero hour contract which one of the reasons I want to leave 😔. I don't want to call in sick and lie. My interview time is at 2.30 and via zoom I just don't know what I should I do? They have sent an email so should I reply by email or ring to say I can't attend or ask to change the time.

You're over complicating this unless the interview is with some similarly rigid employer as your current one just ring up and explain the situation and ask what other time they could re-schedule to

Don't lie about emergency dental or doctors appointments

If you don't get this new job do get some proper advice about where you are now, that kind of contract where is is zero hours one way only doesn't sound right.

Just ask to change the time, tell them you work till 3pm and they rely on you. If they say they can't change the time then tell your employer you have a doctors appointment and need to leave early.

@Blossomhill4 My comment was from the new employer's perspective. I would not wish to interview someone who lied to their current employer (what goes around!) and I would not want to put them in that position where they felt it was their only option either. Good people are hard to find - when someone wants to interview you - they should try to be flexible - and with Zoom, it feels like there is a lot more room for that.

@NekoShiro

I thought a workplace can't legally deny you time off for an interview? Just tell them you have an interview so will be leaving work to do it and then returning after.

That’s only true under specific circumstances.

If someone is being made redundant and they’ve been with the employer for more than 2 years, then they’re entitled to take a reasonable amount of time off for job hunting during their notice period.

This doesn’t apply to OP. She’s not legally entitled to time off to attend her interview.

I had an interview at the school I was doing supply in. Slap bang in the middle of sports day when we already had 2 staff down. Emailed and got the time changed to before work. I got the job.

Just ask.

On a zero hours contract they can stop your work without giving any notice, it works both ways. If they want you to have to give notice and so on then they needed to have given you a decent contract. Like others have said, I'd have an urgent appointment.

@ProtectedPeas does OPs current employer sound that wonderful? Zero contract after 9 years?

[quote Blossomhill4]**@ProtectedPeas* does OPs current* employer sound that wonderful? Zero contract after 9 years?[/quote]
That is not the point. I would not want someone to lie to the current employer. I would not want to employ a liar.

Like others have said, I'd have an urgent appointment. That would cover it!😁

Would it be possible to work through your lunch break, and finish earlier?

@SuperbGorgonzola

Don't lie. She can't force you to work and if she relies on you so heavily she's unlikely to sack you.

If the time cannot be rearranged, the inform her that you will not be available to work that afternoon due to a job interview.

This ^

Try to get the interview rescheduled and if that fails advise your employer you have an interview to attend.
I really don't think you should lie.

I would assume the OP works in a child care facility, like a pre school, as she mentions applying to 'the committee' and probably doesn't have a lunch break

Don't lie. These things always have a way of coming out. Ask them to reschedule

Just to add to the many voices saying the same, first point of call ask for the interview to be a different time. I've had one moved before. Be honest with them about the difficulty you'll have making it.

Ring them.

Thanks everyone for the advice, I've emailed to ask if they can change the time but if that fails I will have to ask my manager for time off and go from there. I definitely don't want to lie to either employers and feel bad enough applying and not telling them about it. And yes I don't understand how they can employ all their staff on zero hour contracts and have it all their way. Its one of the reasons why I want to leave.

Post this in the employment section and ask @Flowery for advice. You are legally entitled to time off work to attend interviews though I am not sure how that works if they can't cover your slot due to ratios.

Fingers crossed they are flexible enough to be able to push back the interview by an hour...

Have an emergency dentist appointment. I’ve had a few of these for interviews

Go sick you might get the new job, you don't like the other one anyway. You'd be gutted if you didn't go and would have got it. X

I was holding the fort on my own over the holidays in my last job and was offered an interview. They suggested I invent a dentist appointment but I said I couldn't let my current employer down. They arranged the interview for 8am and apparently this went in my favour as it showed I was loyal and reliable.

So maybe try being honest with the new people and ask them to re-arrange?

Either call the new company and ask if there's a possibility your interview could be an hour later. It's perfectly acceptable to ask, especially if you explain you're working at that time. You're not the first person in the world who can't make a certain time! :) If yes, then sorted.

If they won't (unlikely) then you can either 1) lie to your employer - a sudden tummy bug is usually useful - call in sick that morning and take the day off or 2) request time off - think medical appointment. However, if they refuse, you're screwed and it's pretty obvious when you then suddenly have explosive diarrhea on that day.

Did they come back to you, OP?

Was that a cough I heard? I'm sure you need to get a test 😉.

Turn the situation to your advantage while you can!