Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Covid

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

Original poster

Can work force me to ask grandparents to watch the kids?

172 replies

Lifeisconfusing · 04/07/2020 21:40

Iv been furloughed as I have 3 kids at home,dh works away Monday-Friday, so no childcare.

Since 4th July am I right that grandparents can Now look after your children? Problem Iv got is one set have health conditions and feel it’s too soon and the other side work (nurse+teacher) if work call me and tell me Iv got to come back what will I do ? It’s not very clear to me what my rights are. Thanks

OP posts:
popcorndiva · 04/07/2020 21:46

They can ask you to come back or you can resign. Furlough scheme now costs them

Bmidreams · 04/07/2020 21:48

You could ask for unpaid leave.

AIMD · 04/07/2020 21:50

You could ask for carers leave or unpaid parental leave.

They can’t make you get grandparents to look after them but hey can try to insist you come back.

Viviennemary · 04/07/2020 21:50

If they need you back in work then you need to go back or resign. Unless you can negotiate working from home.

Waxonwaxoff0 · 04/07/2020 21:50

Are there any holiday clubs open nearby? I've been unfurloughed as of next month and I have no one to help with childcare so DS is going to holiday club.

FizzFan · 04/07/2020 21:51

They can’t tell you to ask grandparents but they can ask you to come back to work. As PP said you can ask for unpaid leave. Why is this solely your problem though, do you have a partner?

BlessYourCottonSocks · 04/07/2020 21:52

They can't force you to ask in-laws to give up work to have your kids.

But they can expect you to sort childcare out so that you can return. Or hand in your resignation. Ultimately if they need you to be back in work they will expect you to do so.

Original poster
Lifeisconfusing · 04/07/2020 21:52

@popcorndiva oh I thought the scheme was until October! I was obviously planning on going back when the kids go back to school in September but That was until the new changes on the 4th July that I just can’t get my head around.

OP posts:
popcorndiva · 04/07/2020 21:56

They have to start making a contribution, plus your leave will being accrued so definitely not cost free. This is why people are being made redundant in the last couple of weeks. Businesses do not have to keep or put people on furlough it's not the law, it's just a scheme open to them to keep staff on the books so they can reopen as soon as they are allowed. If that's now for your business and they have work for you then furlough is not needed. How old are you DC?

StylishMummy · 04/07/2020 21:56

Ultimately if your employer decide they need you to be back in the office, you need to facilitate that. They don't have to furlough you and if you can't work you need to resign or take annual/unpaid leave

Original poster
Lifeisconfusing · 04/07/2020 22:01

Dc are 10.8 and 5

OP posts:
Original poster
Lifeisconfusing · 04/07/2020 22:02

I want to go back but I’m confused about childcare.

OP posts:
DowntonCrabby · 04/07/2020 22:02

Absolutely not but if they need you back they can expect you to find appropriate childcare. The provider of the childcare is none of their business.

popcorndiva · 04/07/2020 22:03

Can't the five year old go back to school then? The 10 year old not sure why you have specified months like a baby can go to holiday club or your parents

Ragwort · 04/07/2020 22:05

Why are you confused?

It is your responsibility to find childcare - not your employer's. Confused

BlessYourCottonSocks · 04/07/2020 22:05

There are only 2 weeks of term left now anyway. What would you have done all summer holiday? Would you have used grandparents then?

Whatelsecouldibecalled · 04/07/2020 22:07

It’s a rubbish situation but what would you have done in two weeks when school finishes for the summer?

Dadnotamum72 · 04/07/2020 22:08

The scheme has been there to help everyone but ultimately if they want you to work now in October or could have asked in April/ may then you are contracted to work, the 4th july isn't relevant.

You could ask for unpaid leave etc or try and explain/ hope they are symathetic with your worries but ultimately its not fair on employers to keep supporting employess forever.

InescapableDeath · 04/07/2020 22:08

Work haven’t actually asked yet have they? So don’t panic yet.

Over the summer there are some holiday clubs opening in some areas. Start investigating.

Then come September hopefully they will be back at school.

AnnaSW1 · 04/07/2020 22:12

Lol @popcorndiva she's has three kids Grin. 10,8 and 5

Original poster
Lifeisconfusing · 04/07/2020 22:14

@popcorndiva dc are 10 years 8years and 5years I have 3.

My 5 year old can’t go back as they have a waiting list as they already have there bubbles made. I’m worried about the 6 weeks holidays

OP posts:
4sandie · 04/07/2020 22:16

If you're worried about the 6 weeks holidays, what was your original plan for childcare pre-Covid?

Original poster
Lifeisconfusing · 04/07/2020 22:19

Yeah I will have to check about holiday clubs!! Gosh I know it’s my responsibility and usually in the 6 weeks I would have my parents who aren’t willing to have them as they feel it’s too soon 😣so I guess I will have to see.

A girl I work with has a baby and a 5 year old she doesn’t have childcare either and can’t afford to put the children with a childminder.

OP posts:
aliloandabanana · 04/07/2020 22:19

I don't know about other areas, but confirmed holiday childcare is thin on the ground here at this point.I love the way people are telling the OP to resign, as if it's something you'd do on a whim! It's a terrible situation if there is no childcare available - then she is in a difficult situation.

Original poster
Lifeisconfusing · 04/07/2020 22:21

@4sandie grandparents

OP posts:
Swipe left for the next trending thread