No working from home if you have children at home

[Sparrowlegs248]

I mean, Wtaf?? How on earth am I supposed to work then? I can go to the office for 1 full day. I'm part time. I can fit my other hours in in the evening, probably a few in the day over a week. But no, we are not allowed to work from home if we have children at home. What's the point?

[Sparrowlegs248]

Yes, I can cover my hours between being in the office and after bedtime, probably getting loads more done than in my usual very disruptive open plan office.

I can't go in at 5am, because I have children at home!

[TrudysTerribleFringe]

This situation could last until September apparently. It is an absolute nightmare.

[ArgumentativeAardvaark]

So if unpaid leave once the holiday runs out, pretty much the same as losing your job in the short term. Sorry to hear that. But at least your employer has said something!

[LemonBreeland]

So are your employers going to pay you to sit at home and do nothing? We are waiting fresh guidance now schools are closing, but we had already been told that allowances would be made. We are already working from home and will be expected to continue once the children are at home. I expect the allowances will be that we do not have to be following the core hours fully.

[Sparrowlegs248]

Exactly. Surely, if people (like me) can do their hours,you let them do them? I'm not proposing doing my whole week Monday to Friday when the children are awake. It would be impossible .

[Sparrowlegs248]

@LemonBreeland no, unpaid leave.

[LemonBreeland]

From a LA of employers that is appalling!

[AChickenCalledDaal]

I also work for a local authority and management has today specifically recognised to staff that people working from home may have to work at reduced capacity and/or unconventional hours due to family circumstances. Councillors are being told to expect that officers will not necessarily be available during conventional hours. So your employer's approach is not universal across local govt and it might be worth pressing them to see how others are handling things.

[ethelredonagoodday]

I'm a local govt officer. All of us tho can work from home are doing so. E ermine in our team has kids bar the manager. They accept we will have to make the best of it next week once the schools shut. I cannot believe your LA are taking this stance OP, is ridiculous. We are in unprecedented times are there will be millions of back room public sector staff with kids at home from Friday onwards!!!!

[Indecisivelurcher]

@nottalotta my workplace also has this policy. Similar public sector, non departmental public body. The policy was in place pre corona. However, they've said special leave with full pay for now, if you're off because the kids are. Hopefully this will become universal across public sector as doesn't seem fair otherwise!

[ethelredonagoodday]

*Everyone...

[FallonSwift]

I'd put a grievance in - seriously.

It's a reasonable rule under normal circs (my firm - private - has the same), but there's a fucking pandemic on.

I'd make the basis of the complaint the fact that they are forcing you to take unpaid leave which will leave you financially vulnerable. And that this is unfair and unrealistic given that many other firms relaxing their rules in recognition of the current situation and the UK Govt itself has asked employers to let employees WFH wherever possible.

[ethelredonagoodday]

Also, I've read reports that the schools could be shut until summer. On the basis that OP has outlined, services will fall apart if half their staff are forced to take unpaid leave.

[SoShere]

Dont forget we can all apply for unpaid parental leave and still keep all of our entitlements (accruing annual leave etc)

We have to give 21 days notice though, but 4 weeks per child.

Obviously we wouldnt get paid.

www.gov.uk/parental-leave

[Sparrowlegs248]

That's great but I can't afford 8 weeks unpaid. And honestly, I've worked for them for nearly 20 years, I expect more than this.

[Hercwasonaroll]

OP name and shame your local government. Write to your MP ASAP. I would expect local authorities to be more flexible considering the pandemic.

Go nuclear on them. Surely this hasn't come from above your boss?

[Purplequalitystreet]

Also this could go on for a lot longer than 5 weeks annual leave and 4 weeks unpaid leave. What are people supposed to do?

I agree. Put in a grievance

[Hercwasonaroll]

Go above your boss if it's them that has made this decision? Sounds like a shit one.

[Thisisworsethananticpated]

Op I’ll be using my local childcare network until I no longer can

Whilst I don’t advocate dishonesty , can you just state kids with family ?

[Sparrowlegs248]

I can't say kids with family, as I would be expected to be in the office.

[Sparrowlegs248]

I'm hoping that they will soon realise that they can't actually do this. People without children can WFH (when they never normally would, only because of corona) but those with, can't?

[MindyStClaire]

Is there something particularly time critical about your job that means it has to happen in core hours? Because otherwise their plan is not just unfair on you, but completely impractical for them. Surely best for them to have you working than not.

[okiedokieme]

The problem is that if you have kids under 12 or so you cannot work and supervise them. Employers are aware that work will be compromised in many cases

[Itwasntme1]

I have a very loud next door neighbour- I just had a conference call during which everyone on the line could hear him shouting and signing😂. Not sure how much of this I can take - it’s only day one.

[mumwon]

ahem - your dc are being looked after by your/your husbands sister or are locked in the shed/garage/attic/belfry/wendy house … & try & prove otherwise mate!!!