Forced to work weekends

[Anonjd3]

Hello everyone I work for a small local supermarket. I'm contracted to work Thursday and Saturday. My mum or sisters have looked after my son every Saturday for over a year for me to able to work as his dad is a head chef and has to work 12hr shifts on weekends. We split last year and me and my son moved in with mother but unfortunately for numerous reasons we had to leave and I'm sleeping in my ex spare room till I can find an alternative. There's been a huge falling out and I'm not in contact with my mother nor do I want it. I've mentioned to my manager about changing my Saturday to fit into school times a few times over the past year and sometimes child care falls through, but he said it's a policy that I have to work either a Saturday or Sunday. My problem is right now I can't for the foreseeable future and I don't know what to say will they fire me or could they fire me? Id happily work 5 days a week just to take my Saturday off but I'm worried theyre going to refuse. I'm searching for other Monday - Friday jobs but I'm sure you all know how hard they're to find. I can't loose this job right now whilst trying to find a place for me and my son to live. Any advice?

If you're contracted to work Saturdays, then you need to work Saturdays. You can ask for your hours to be moved but your manager does not have to move them for you. It's a shame but it's the truth. Look for mon-Friday work instead.

Posted before finished! There are jobs out there that might work - TA work perhaps? Perfect hours for school. Best of luck.

I've applied for TA positions but had no luck! I have another job where I work Tuesday and Wednesday during school hours but they can't give me more and I believe me I look every single day!

Are you positive that your contract requires one weekend day?

If your manager is saying no to your request, your only shot would be going to HR and explaining your circumstances. They might be able/willing to help.