Childcare issue & work

[Sho97]

My mum looks after my 11 month old every Monday when I go to work. She tested positive for covid yesterday so I now have no childcare (I’ve asked other family members and all work full time so can’t).
My manager seems to question everything and will make sure I know he’s angry that I won’t be in, he makes it very hard to speak to him.
I’m really worried about phoning in to let him know I won’t be in.
I just wanted to ask can i be given a disciplinary for taking time off due to childcare?

I can’t even offer to do any other days because the childcare I can only get from family is Mondays and Fridays and they’re the days I work 😔

I think you can have a day as dependents leave? This is supposed to give you time to make other arrangements. Not sure if it’s paid or not though.

@ChrissyPlummer
Yeah see I'm not fussed on being paid because I just need to be here to look after him.
I'm hoping once I explain that it's just a one off because of covid then they should be ok with it

It happens, a lot. They've lived through Covid like the rest of us they are bound to know it's going to happen at some point.

Don't feel bad, don't let them make you feel bad. Your child is priority and you've tried other people to help.

Unless your sickness is horrendous then no you shouldn't get a disciplinary

If the father is on the scene, is this being shared 50/50?

@arethereanyleftatall
He's at a funeral tomorrow otherwise he'd of had him at home ☹️

@YellowLemonz
Very true, thank you.
I've only had one absence so I don't think I should get a disciplinary but we'll see 🤣

You're entitled to unpaid parental leave to look after children. They can't do anything, but I'd probably start looking at nurseries now instead.

Does he need to go to the funeral?

Why don't you just say you're sick.

@MissMaple82
I can't afford to pay for nursery, I only work two days a week and this is a one off due to my mum being unable to look after him after testing positive to covid

@Ginger1982
Yes it's a family member

@Amichelle84
Because I don't like to lie for starters and secondly my manager will definitely try to give me a disciplinary if I take a day because of being sick.
I feel like i have more of a leg to stand on by telling the truth of not having anyone to look after my child

I would just tell work the truth, as you say its a one of due to your mum having covid. I'm sure they are not able to do anything due to you being entitled to parental leave for childcare/sickness etc.
I understand your position as due to lack of childcare within the family I am unable to go back to work when my maternity leave ends 😔 but yer just be truthful I'm sure they'll understand... if he says anything or whatever just remember you've got prioritise and keep your head up 🙂

@CLeighannHxo
Thank you, making the dreaded call within the hour 😌

@Sho97 eeek! Everything will be fine, don't worry 😊

@CLeighannHxo
I made all that fuss and worried and it wasn't even my manager who picked up😂 it was one of the nice supervisors. To which he completely understood and it was all good 😌 xx

Awww thats good! Enjoy your day off from work 😁

If it does ever happen again , just know, they can't legally refusing taking time for dependants to deal with unforeseen matters and emergencies.
However, they don't have to pay you for that time. Which is where it becomes tricky.... employers need to be consistent.

You're legally allowed to take time off to deal with an emergency involving a dependent. This includes short-term childcare issues.

[https://www.gov.uk/time-off-for-dependants]]

I would email and say that you are having to take emergency dependent leave today and will be back on Friday.