Re shuffle at work

[andthenthereweretwo]

Have just been told that due to a vacancy in a team 10 miles away from my place of work, Im being considered as a candidate to move there permanently. I really do not want to leave my current job, I love working there. Moving to this new team would be un workable due to the distance involved, I would be unable to drop ds at school and pick him up as I do now. I am a lone parent and have no other childcare help so am anxious about whether the managers can move me without my consent and are my childcare committments a reasonable reason for me to stay? Will contact my union tomorrow for advice but would be grateful for any advice from others here.

Tell them that it is not possible for you to work in a different location and you would like them to remove your name from consideration for the post but thank you very much anyway

I am hoping that it will be as easy as that!

How long would your commute be?

What does your contract say (if anything) about work location or varying terms?

Commute would add another 20mins onto my drive. That wouldnt have been an issue pre-child but my school is 2 mins away from current work and can drop ds at school and be at work on time. Would either have to use breakfast and afterschool club which I cant afford or drop my hours which I also cant afford. Have been in my current job for 10 years and have no idea where my contract is! Sure it names my current place of work onthe contract but not sure :(

It will name your place of work, yes, but many contracts have some kind of mobility clause allowing your employer to vary your location.

Another 20 minutes on top of what? What will your total commute be?

Do you get the sense they are planning to just move you? You say you are 'being considered as a candidate'. Have you actually raised your concerns with your manager?

Sure it will have a "mobility clause" work for a large organisation that employs thousands. Total commute approx 45mins. One reason I chose my place of work was due to the conveniance to school etc. Meeting with manager on Wednesday so want to be prepared. No reason to move me specifically, was a bit vague in original post, there are 8 others being considered too. Just being irrational and thinking it will be me, every chance it wont be but want to know my stuff in case it does arise.

As there are other being considered it would be worth voicing your concerns to manager and asking if you can be left out of consideration if possible.

You never know, one of the others under consideration may really welcome the move as it may be closer for them.

I would think that your manager is expecting some feedback like this so a sensible choice can be made.