Furloughed single parents returning to work who have no childcare - Advice please

[mummytippy]

I've been furloughed since 24/3 after previously offering to work from home and being told no. I do admin work in an office so working from home is doable once I have the paperwork. I've no idea what my boss's reasons were as I have the technology and it's not rocket science.

I have a 13 yo ds in Year 9 who obviously isn't going back to school anytime soon. I've been home schooling him as he's the type of child who has needed me to stand over him to ensure he stays on task. The work set by his school has also been set in multiple formats, not all online so I can't just leave him to it.

Today I've had a text from my boss asking me if I would be prepared to swap days if requested. I usually work 3 full days 9-5.

Aside from Boris making it clear in his speech yesterday, that single parents with no childcare are 'impeded' and have a 'barrier' in returning to work and the Government would 'hope employers are understanding of this'

I also found this on the Gov.UK Website:

www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme

''Employees with caring responsibilities

Employees who are unable to work because they have caring responsibilities resulting from coronavirus (COVID-19) can be furloughed. For example, employees that need to look after children can be furloughed''.

I can't leave my ds at home by himself so how do I reply to my boss?

What are everyone else's plans on how to contact their employer to ask to remain on furlough due to no childcare?

Thank you in advance

Why can’t you leave a 13 year old at home while you work?

A 13 year old doesn't need childcare unless there are additional needs you haven't mentioned.

I think your son needs to grow up a bit and knuckle down to his school work. If he doesn’t do it while you’re out then he’ll be catching up in the evening won’t he?

I think you will have to leave him some clear instructions and let him get on with it.

I think a 13 should be fine for 3 days a week.

I don’t think you can argue to be furloughed in those circumstances unless there’s additional needs.

Are you saying you literally can never leave your 13 year old ever.

I leave my 13yo during the school holidays whilst I work all day. I make him some lunch in the fridge I'm always available on the phone either by call or text.

I think the reason why primary schools are going back is because its those children that need childcare. A 13 year old doesn't, maybe teach him how to prepare some food for himself and what to do in an emergency.

What were your plans for child care during the summer holidays had this pandemic not been here?

How do you manage in the holidays if you can't leave your 13 year old home alone?

If your concern is him not doing school work unfortunately a lot of working parents are in the position where they can't home school their children right now. It's just something you'll have to suck up. If you only need to go in 3 days a week you can help him catch up on the other days.

You're home 4 days - police schoolwork then?

13 year old would be okay for a 9-5 ??

A 13 year old does not need childcare. It is not your employer's responsibility because he is not mature enough (apparently) to knuckle down to what needs doing.

Not all 13yr olds are ok alone for a long day in normal times. Let alone during a pandemic.

My 13yr old would have been at holiday club all summer. Not home alone faffing around. Lone parent here too.

It is up to a parent to decide whether there 13 year old is mature enough to be left at home.

My elderly parents would usually keep an eye on him who live 5 mins away usually have him in the holidays.
I work 45 mins from home should something happen.
I don't feel happy leaving him and don't feel I should have to to be honest. I am happy to drive to work to collect papers then come home to process... I'm not work shy!

@megletthesecond this is a pandemic and we all need to make sacrifices at the moment. Toddlers are being left in front of screens all day while parents work. Expecting to stay on furlough to make sure a 13 year old does school work is ridiculous.

@mummytip
I hope you are safe and well?
I wouldn't leave a 13 year old at home either. Ignore the people here that tell you to leave your child at home.you know your child best.
Would it be possible that you could take him to another family member or one of your friends while you are at work?

Feel free to send me a PM if you don't want to reply on here.

Stay safe x

I have left my 13 year old alone to get on with their work. They are old enough to plan for themselves and can contact you if a problem. As you say parents close by so in an emergency can be covered. I work in a school and haven't had the pleasure of not working!

@GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat and @unfortunateevents

Thanks for the personal comments, they're not needed.
My question was about the furlough scheme helping lone parents by being able to remain furloughed so you may stay home to care for your child. Leaving him all day isn't an option.

I wouldn't leave my 13yr old home all day. I don't know anyone else who does either, maybe for a couple of hours but not for any real length of time.

With regards to the schooling aspect, could it be done when you are home? Weekends/ evenings.

Thanks @Disneylover4321

I would be out of the house for 8 hours.
I'm the only single parent in the office and from what I've heard they haven't taken the necessary measures in the office (ie, social distancing etc) so I'm not happy about that.

I'm an only child too and my elderly parents are relying on me too at the moment. If I fall ill, there's no one else to shoulder the burden

I would also be at home to make sure my 13yr old was safe. Not just school work.
He would be anxious all day on his own. But we live in a dodgy area 🤷‍♀️.

@Waxonwaxoff0

I agree with what you have said however some 13 year olds may not be mature enough to be left at home.

It is not right to expect to stay on furlough while you stay at home with a 13 year old.