Help! I'm in an awkward work situation and don't know what to do - looking for some advice.
I'm a civil servant (outside the UK) and have been working on fixed duration contracts for 8 years. My current contract is ending this month, and I'm going on holiday for a few days (booked ages ago) next week. I will start my new job (in a new department/institution) on 2 March as I'm coming back from holiday on 1 March (day I should be starting).
New job is also on a contract - 9 months maternity replacement. So, in the meantime I've been applying for longer term stuff. A job I applied for back in November have just got back to me. They want me to attend a 90 minute interview on - you guessed it - 2 March! The interview is at 8:40am, so feasibly I couldn't get to my first day in the new job until 11am (maybe earlier, but couldn't guarantee). The people won't move the interview as they say it's too hard to reconvene the interview panel.
The problem is, the new job is a long-term contract, is based right near to where I live and would be really good to get, so I don't want to miss out on the interview. But what to do about starting my new job? A colleague suggested that I invent an emergency with DS that morning - that I have to take him to the paediatrician urgently or something. My DH doesn't drive, so that could work as an excuse. I know it'll look awful, it being my first day and everything, but I really don't know what else to do.
Any advice?