AIBU to work?

[Perfect28]

I have a 1 year old who attends nursery whilst we both go to work. Since starting at the nursery he has had a significant number of days off. Approx 1 day in every 8 if averaged out. This has been because of a combination of factors, he has some ongoing health issues from birth, added to the usual bugs doing the rounds at nursery and covid.

The combination of paying for nursery not used, being deducted pay for missing work, the guilt of missing work (added pressures for colleagues) and dealing with a poorly child is causing a lot of stress and worry. Of course none of these things can really be changed and nobody is to blame, it's just a rough situation.

In our contracts we are supposed to find emergency childcare for the second day of sickness. Our closest family is 300 miles away, and they all work full time too. It has been commented by a colleague that we should leave the child with a friend (?) We both share the emergency childcare between us but because I earn less...

AIBU to work?

It's pretty unrealistic of an employer to expect you to find emergency childcare from day 2 - no childcare provider i know would look after a sick child and even if you did have family nearby no guarantees they could help if they also work

To be honest I'd be looking for a new and more flexible employer

Thanks for replying, my employer have never actually had a conversation with me about this clause and I've always been able to take the day or leave early with support from my team. I'm just aware it exists, I think it's quite common?

Unfortunately it is what it is until your little one builds enough immune system... My one is the same, last month she only could go to the nursery about 2/3 because of various illnesses, and it had a huge impact on our work as we had to catch up after the children went to sleep etc etc. If the employer values you, they will be flexible to accommodate the situation. It won't last forever but as you said post covid I think it is crazy that so many bugs around for the little ones to catch. Good luck!!!