Help! I think parent is about to dump me and I need to know where I stand.

[Picante]

This is my second week off sick with morning sickness. Parent knows why I am off sick. She has found another childminder to have her child on a week by week basis while I am sick.

I texted her saying I was hoping to be able to work next week and could I confirm by the end of the week. She has texted back saying she wants to call me to talk about next week.

This has worried me. I think she is going to say she wants to stay with the other childminder. Where do I stand re notice period? If I have said I am available to work from next week then she should be paying me notice (4 weeks agreed in contract).

I would feel guilty doing this but it's the right thing isn't it? She can't just desert me even though I've been sick?

If you have a contract and you've kept your side she should keep hers.

It might be worth getting on with the phone call if you feel upto it or this could build up in your mind. It could be something like she wants to slightly vary hours - who knows until you chat.

Good luck.

Thats a tricky one - I can see your perspective but from a working parent's point of view I'd have to have reliable childcare and would probably choose to go with one who I felt was going to be more conistent (all other things being equal - got on with her - good standarda, convenience etc) .

I know you can't help it if you have awful morning sickness - but i wouldnt be able tokeep takign time off to resttle a disrupted child and would want to know where i stood for next week before friday this week. sorry - i know its not what you wanted to here!

saying all that - you really need to contact her - it may be nothing of the sort!

I'm sorry you are ill. I think as it is only fair for you to waver the notice period in this case - it is a difficult situation all round. Hope you feel better soon.

oops, 'wanted to hear

agree it depends if you have a contract and what it says

Thanks. It does say 4 weeks in the contract. I will wait to see what she says then maybe come to a compromise. I'm losing so much money it's rubbish.

It is an awful situation to be in, but I really don't think that you should let he parent out of the notice period.

Have you talked about what will happen with maternity leave for you? Maybe the parent thinks she will be better moving the child now.................I still don't think it is an excuss not to pay what she owes

the contract doesnt suddenly become not valid just because your off sick. if your able to look after her child for the 4 weeks you charge her for the 4 weeks.
charging her the notice period is definatly the right thing. dont let her make you feel otherwise. if your really worried about it, gice ncma or your local council a call. they will be able to tell you where you stand.