I?m not sure where to start here. Well, I have a part time job which took me a long time to get after losing my full time job (not my fault btw) and claiming benefit for months. Initially at interview stage I agreed that I could do holiday cover and overtime when needed, so long as they gave me warning in advance so I could make childcare arrangements. I honestly thought I could do this.
In the summer last year I did said holiday cover and extra hours and despite my best efforts, got into trouble with certain authorities who had overpaid me after being totally unhelpful when I had contacted them way before I did the extra hours, and given me the misleading impression that although I wouldn?t be any better off working extra hours, I wouldn?t be any worse off. I am worse off. Much worse off, am having to pay back money now, I?m in a complete mess with my finances and trying so hard to work it all out, still.
So now I?m asked to do holiday cover in the near future, and possibly to up my hours as there has been a bit of a staff re-shuffle. I don?t feel I can, I cant afford to and it will certainly confuse the things I?m already trying to sort out.
I also don?t feel I can refuse, as it states in my contract that its expected I will work the necessary hours to perform my duties, and holiday cover. I agreed to this.
Before anyone pounces on me, it would be impossible for me to work full time for this particular company even if they did offer me that position because of the distance, the hour?s journey home (sometimes longer) and picking up my child from the childcare provider. Its just not possible. There aren?t enough hours in the working day for that.
I am stressed to my limit and cant see a solution here. If I refuse then it gives my company the right to fire me for breach of contract. That will look great on my CV I?m sure. I cant afford to give up work and go back on benefit. Maybe I could suggest I worked more hours but took a wage drop, just in order to keep my job really, but its not saying tax credits or anything else would cover this. Any which way I look at it, I seem to be stuck.
Does anyone have any ideas?