Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Covid

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Have I got any rights to unpaid leave?

3 replies

RoseGoldEagle · 23/03/2020 05:23

Am due to go back to work soon after mat leave. DH is a key worker and works long hours (longer now) so it’s me at home with a 3 and 1 year old. I don’t want to use the nursery place for obvious reasons. My job is one where I can work from home, but it’s going to be very difficult with the kids, especially the 1 year old who isn’t entertained by TV and obviously needs someone with him constantly. Thinking of asking to take unpaid leave, but does anyone know what my rights are with this? Is it just up to my employer if they agree to it or not? I could obviously do a few hours here and there when DS naps, but his naps aren’t that reliable. I will of course speak to work soon, but just wondered if anyone had any info on the legal side of this- assuming normally an employer could refuse the request but don’t know with these weird times where I stand with this. Not an ideal situation and we will struggle, but could tighten belts and manage for a months (well aware we’re lucky there). Thanks for any advice.

OP posts:
WhentheDealGoesDown1 · 23/03/2020 05:29

Is it a job that has high demand, if you are in one of the sectors that is losing work they may be glad that they don't have to pay you, not sure of any legalities though

Angeldust747 · 23/03/2020 06:18

www.gov.uk/parental-leave
Parents are eligible for up to 4 weeks parental leave a year (unpaid), but as PP said if you don't need work to pay you they may agree to more to save themselves some cash.

RoseGoldEagle · 23/03/2020 06:43

Thanks for that link! Looks like it’s 4 weeks per child, although they don’t have to agree to it when you want it if it’s a business critical time. I’ll speak to them and see what they say, like you’ve both said I guess it just depends how busy they are and how much work there is to be done at the moment. Thanks!

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page