Where do I stand Re: time off for sick child

[coxy3005]

I've worked at my company for 7 years. I returned to work in October after 9 months mat leave and some holiday ontop for my first child. Before I went on mat leave my boss and I had a good working relationship I would go so far as to say we were friends, she was always texting me when I was on mat leave to see how I was, anyway, since I've been back my daughter has been poorly alot, with chest and ear infections mainly which have resulted in antibiotics. Unfortunatley when this happens the nursery won't take her until she has been on them 24 hours which means I have to take time off work. I have no other means of childcare apart from my husband who has been unable to help much as he had started a new job which has meant shifts and travelling. I knew that she had a problem with me having time off (unpaid by the way) but she has never actually said anything it was just a vibe I got from her, anyway I got called into a meeting last week with her and HR with NO warning to discuss why I have had so much time off and how I can ensure that it doesn't happen so much going forward :/ I am now basically paranoid that they are trying to get rid of me as she behaves totally different with me to other people in the office and never talks to me.

We have also had redundancies elsewhere in the company but have been told that they are not planning to make cuts in our departments but I just don't beleive them!

Has this happened to anyone else? What are my rights? I am feeling bullied
:(

Godisadj i think this is true for some people. There are staff who are grateful for flexibility, making up work at home and repaying with loyalty. Equally are staff who do neither of those things and completely abuse special leave policies whilst saying their partners jobs are more important. Because of these individuals employers are more likely to closely monitor and address earlier on any perceived abuse of the policy.

bunny indeed! I have had my fair share of piss takers over the years. Like it is a divine right to have 2 weeks off because their 8 year old has a cold...

Just a question: What other options are available re emergency childcare if you just can't afford an emergency nanny? Unfortunately not everyone earns megabucks.

People try friends, babysitting agencies BearBehavingBadly and employers will (extent depending on their company policy) allow people to take unpaid or annual leave. it's not up to the employer to think about employee's childcare provisions.

An employer will not expect you to shoulder all the ill child days on your own, even if your DH's job is more important than yours. As they're employing you, they won't give a monkeys if you see your job as less important than his.

Whilst your DC being ill is not your fault and you can't do anything to help it, neither is it your employer's issue and they have a right to call you on it if it's excessive. It is really hard for working parents (myself included) and it's often impossible to find alternative childcare if you don't have parents to help, but unfortunately this is and always will be your problem and not your employers. A lot of people give up their job due to the childcare issue being non-workable with ill children and whilst this may not seem an option either, it will always be down to the employee to make sure they are available for work, it's not down to the employer to be as flexible as possible

I feel your pain. I ttok 4 days off to look after a sick child a few years back and my boss got very snotty about it. She made me feel awful, even though I made up the hours afterwards. Bosses can be very intimidating so it's important you know your rights.
If this situation occurs again, could you:
a) Make up the time somehow? Do extra hours/extra days?
b)Work at home - not easy witha sick DC, but maybe possible in the evbenings?
c) Do extra hours when during busy times so you can acrrue some overtime, which you can claim back as time off when the kids are sick?
I've no idea what type of work you do, so these ideas maybe total rubbish!
I'm assuming that (like me)you have no family members who can help ot?
d) (last resort!!!) take sick leave yourself.
e) Forget about trying to be friends with your boss. It just doesn't work.
HTH and hope your DCs stay healthy! Good luck with the meeting!

Worst thing about it my boss was a mum of 3 kids! But zilch empathy!

How many days off have you taken?

Be very very careful about taking sick leave to care for a sick child because if you get found out it may be used as the basis for disciplinary action.

I am off today with my DS who cannot go to school or CM due to impetigo. I am trying to work from home but can feel the waves of guilt from here. I work in a sales environment and know that if I am not in the office my leads will be given to other people which is a right pain.

I agree gamerwidow, that's why I said it should be a last resort, and only if you haven't taken much sick leave of your own.