To think there's nothing I can realistically do except turn the shift down?

[troobleflooble]

I have a part time job that's on a MW, zero hour contract. I only took the job as a temporary thing as I found out my last job was ending suddenly (one week notice) and I needed money.

When I had my interview I informed them that I was having temporary transport issues and that, for now, I would need to be scheduled on shifts that either line up with the bus times or my partner's shifts so I can get a lift home. They seemed fine with this and took me on anyway. Despite that there have been several occasions when they've scheduled me on in the evening when I can't get home.

So far it's been ok as I've managed to get the bus or lifts from a co worker if my partner is unavailable but I've been scheduled to work this week on an evening shift and unfortunately there is no one who can give me a lift. My partner will be at work so isn't available. I have no friends or family who drive who can give me a lift and I don't have any other transport.

I know in these scenarios people always suggest getting a bicycle but in this case I have 2 issues: 1- the road is completely unsuitable for cycling (all my co workers agree that this is a terrible idea and very dangerous) and 2 - I don't have any money to buy a bike nor anyone to borrow one off.

Aibu to think I have to turn the shift down? I've already asked my manager if I can swap with someone but they pretty much just shrugged off the idea. I understand that I'm an adult and it's my responsibility to get myself to and from work but I literally explained this to them when I started working because I knew it would be an issue and they took me on knowing this. It's a rural area with very limited public transport (there were no stipulations in the job advert that you need to have your own transport).

Rotas can be hard enough to organise and even worse at the moment I'd imagine, you can't expect the employer to also factor in the staff travel issues

You've barely started the job so unfortunately haven't had time to build up relations with the other staff or any goodwill with the boss so I dont think you have much choice

I live somewhere with very little public transport so do sympathise. Also laughing at the pp who thinks everywhere has Uber.

@LSLLM

I wouldn’t even try tbh. If you manage to go the shift, there will be an expectation that you’ll manage again.

Don’t do it. This wasn’t what was agreed.

I agree with this. You get a taxi just this once, as a one-off, they will expect you to do it every time.

What's the point of agreeing to hire you on the basis of temporary limited availability if they expect you to be available at all times?

Plus, zero hours contract. On this basis alone I'd have absolutely no compunction in turning down an inconvenient shift - they would have none in standing you down if they could manage without you.

Surely this is what zero hours work is for? It doesn’t suit you so you don’t have to take the shift. Just apologise and be clear that in the future when your car is fixed (give a rough estimate) you’re more than happy to work shifts that late. Hopefully they’ll be sensible after that. I had a three hour contract at one workplace, it used to piss me off royally when I’d get puppy dog eyes to do more at short notice when they knew I was busy with my self employed work. If they gave me notice it was absolutely fine, but two days before? Nope! That’s your problem buddy.