To expect work to cover my child care costs?

[CatThiefKeith]

Background is I work as a receptionist at weekends, but the weekday receptionist is having some health problems following a routine operation and I got a phone call this morning asking If I can cover her job for the next fortnight.

Dh works full time, plus 3/4 evenings in a different job, so the only way I could do so would be to employ a childminder or increase her days at preschool and use a childminder for the rest of the day ( it is only open mornings)

It is a minimum wage job, so I would effectively be working 14 days without a day off for less than £3 p/h.

Would I be massively unreasonable to say I will do it if they cover the childcare costs?

Good god what an idiot he is. Love these replies though!

There is most definitely no HR! Him, office manager, administrator, accounts chap, receptionists and four sales people.

I love BalloonSlayers reply.

In reality I will probably go with something like "I am sorry, that is not suitable , dd doesn't settle with new people very well* and I am only prepared to leave her with family or a childminder she already knows"

• Complete lie, but he won't know that

Oh, just say My DH won't let me leave our daughter with a stranger and does not want me working in the week.

Your boss sounds the sort who will be fine with a DH who "lays the law down".

I wouldn't put "doesn't settle with new people v. well". That sounds a little over-precious (I bet it will to this type of man).

I like Yellowdinosaur's reply best. What a desperate knob he is.

Pot plant!

You don't have to justify it !

Sorry I prefer to make my own childcare arrangements and, as I have already stated, that would incur additional cost and inconvenience which makes it unviable or better
Sorry I'm afraid I have to decline.

The more you say , the more he thinks it is still open to negotiation.

Ok, how about.....

I'm sorry, that is not acceptable. I am only prepared to leave my daughter with close family or a qualified childcare professional chosen by my dh and I.

Best wishes

Keith

Please don't "blame" it on your DH or even DD.

"Dear boss, as previously noted, the cost for professional childcare, the only kind outside of family I would use for my child, is X per hour. If you wish to pay me an increased daily rate, I can do 3 cover days per week; otherwise, x and y temp agencies may be a good source of cover."

Leave out "I'm sorry, that's not acceptable."

You aren't sorry and his suggestion is bonkers!

Otherwise fine!

Don't understand why the daughter can't come in one day at the weekend to shadow you, then cover the other employee's role during the week? Everyone's happy that way, and his daughter sounds like she could use some meaningful work experience.

If it takes you to point out that this is not an appropriate solution then I despair. Get out of there OP!

That's a good email I think, wonder what bullshit "solution" he'll come up with now?

Do Bill's amended version above, but add 'However, if your daughter is free, presumably she will be able to cover reception? '.

"dickface Boss,
I am unable to secure family childcare for two weeks. I am prepared to look for a qulity registered childcare provider as the only other viable option, however, the cost of this will need to be covered by the company. I am not willing to place my children in full time childcare with anyone other than a close family member or a qualified childcare provider.
Should you prefer to offer the two weeks secretarial work to your daughter, as a viable alternative, I understand"

Dear Boss

Loving the way you clearly don't think your daughter is competent enough to be receptionist for a week, yet you think I will be prepared to have her look after the most precious thing in my life.

Good reply OP but remove the 'i'm sorry'. Either replace it with 'no' or just leave it.

That's perfect balloon - Op I'd go with that response.

How about;
"Are you on glue bitch?"

This is ridiculous! He is ridiculous. Do not engage with the ridiculousness, it reinforces his belief that there is a debate to be had.

Right.

I have sent Yellowdinosaurs reply.

Will keep you updated tomorrow of there is a reply.

In the meantime I will be searching for a new job as I have a feeling this isn't going to end well.....

Yellowdinosaur's or LIZS suggestion. They are both perfect.

Good for you !

at pot plant!

I hope I get to use that expression in real life!

Well done. I'd print off the emails etc so that you have evidence should you need it in future re tribunal (hopefully it'll all be fine, but doesn't hurt to build evidence!).

Good on you, I think you are right to expect a shitty response, he sounds like a twat. Prepare yourself to suggest his daughter as cover, you could offer to train her up for a day as someone else has suggested upthread.