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Working away from home - what is reasonable? Advice please!

3 replies

wherethewildthingsare · 26/01/2007 11:34

I think I've just posted this on the wrong thread, will try here instead!

I have worked for a company for 6 1/2 years and there has always been an expectation that I work away. Our team is very small(7) and we have our own budget which at the moment we are struggling with. There is a real possiblility that I may be made redundant (as redeployment is not realistic). I have 4 kids under 13 (one a baby) and I am the breadwinner and my partner does work full-time also. I work at home and manage to work away when necessary with the help of my ex-h and dp and their families. I have managed recently to be away for 2 nights at a time (just about!)and this might occur on 3 consecutive weeks. I have now been asked to work 250 miles away for 2 nights a week for two weeks and then on the third week to be away from Sunday night until Thursday night. I just can't manage 4 consectutive nights away (this will be 8 in a month). My ex-h and dp will have a fit (which is another issue). I just don't have a housewife/au pair at home and frankly couldn't afford one. Most of all I don't want to do this. Any idea where I stand legally? My contract doesn't specify nights away but historically we have always had to and have accepted that. Sorry to be long and rambling but I feel miserable. I feel my job is on the line here.

OP posts:
funkimummy · 26/01/2007 11:53

Oh dear, have you tried googling contractual rights ec, and also looking on govt websites re family/work issues. There must be something somewhere.

this this give you advice on flexible working and work/life balance.

try this one

wherethewildthingsare · 26/01/2007 14:27

Thanks Funkimummy, I'll have a look through, I'm struggling to find information on nights away from home - it isn't just that I have a family but also that I'd like time to have a life too!

OP posts:
funkimummy · 26/01/2007 17:25

Have you tried the citizens advice bureau?

I don't profess to being the world's oracle on these things, but I wonder if them asking you to stay away from home every week for at least 3 nights might be discriminatory on their part if they know you have a home life and 4 children as well.

You need a life apart from work and being a Mum!!!

Sorry I couldn't be any more specific with my suggestions.

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