Employers don't know days I will be working yet, is this usua.

[PinkSquash]

I have a new job (woo!) but the employers haven't sorted my hours beyond the idea that I will be working 18hrs a week. I start training at the beginning of June and they've told me I'll get the days then.

But, I need to organise childcare for my DC- until I know what I am working I'm stuck. Is this usual/normal or can I ask for days now? I don't want to be seen as a pain right from the off, but if I can sort childcare life will be so much smoother.

I'm panicking slightly now, so any advice welcome.

this is pretty normal, although irritating
i went for a pt interview recently, and asked what days it would be. they told me I could pick any. when I said that I'd probably need to be around when XYZ visiting professional was there, and I'd like to be available when team meeting were scheduled, they looked at me wide-eyed, and said they'd better think about it.

If it helps at all, I'm currently looking for work but had to get my son a nursery place ready. I told the nursery I'd need 3 days tbc and they were totally fine with tha. You may be able to do that too? It's worth chatting to the nursery, if that's the route youre taking

Ok, so it's quite normal. This work lark is already frustrating.

Curls- I have one preschooler and one of junior school age so I'm looking at after school clubs and childminders who both need notice of what days I
in advance which is fair.

Although, DH has been able to alter his hours for a couple of weeks, which may be able to solve the problem a little bit while we sort care.

Thanks for the responses.

What if you had another part-time job though? I don't like the assumption that you're just hanging about all week waiting for them, but I guess there's not much you can do about it. Good luck

It is very much 'you're in our control now' but hopefully everything will be easier when I'm actually working!

Yes it will settle down! There is an assumption that childcare materialises out of thin air on the day you need it! Maybe it does if you have grandparents happy to help but that's not everyone is it.

Unfortunately we don't have any family nearby to help so we do need to magic up Mary Poppins rather quickly.

Missed the off.

If you find her, send her my address!