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Original poster

Annual leave

47 replies

fikel · 25/09/2018 12:32

I have put in annual leave for the 23rd December due to childcare issues. My job means I work through the night. We have a business which means my husband wouldn’t be home until the early hours.
My request has been rejected due to other requests and it’s the Christmas period.
Can I take it as unpaid or parental leave which I will do if need be.

OP posts:
TrippingTheVelvet · 25/09/2018 12:35

They can refuse you to take both at that time. You're entitled to parental leave but the employer can ask you to take it at another time when it's not as inconvenient.

TrippingTheVelvet · 25/09/2018 12:36

www.gov.uk/parental-leave/delaying-leave

Thebluedog · 25/09/2018 12:38

You can take family emergency days, but they are for emergency only. Unpaid leave will be down to your employer but by the sounds of things your leave has been rejected due to cover rather than your lack of holidays. Can’t you arrange a nanny or family/friends?

NameChangeJustThisOnce1 · 25/09/2018 12:40

You'll have to take parental leave. However you should explain to your manager about this, they'll most likely give you it due to unexceptional circumstances. I have to have annual leave due to childminder taking holidays so my work has to give me them off (I always book in advance though. Not sure how much notice you gave to them?)

BrokenWing · 25/09/2018 13:47

if annual leave has already been rejected it is likely unpaid or parental leave will also be rejected as the employer is allowed to do this. Lying (not saying you would) and taking at the last minute as emergency dependent leave or sick leave will be tricky as your request was rejected months before.

Which only really leaves you asking bosses again, your dh changing his plans (as the business owner can he get backfill?), family/friends or finding one off childcare. I would start as soon as possible as I expect one off childcare is in demand at that time of year.

Original poster
fikel · 25/09/2018 14:11

It’s impossible for my husband to take time off we have a restaurant and it’s our busy time of year.

OP posts:
HunterHearstHelmsley · 25/09/2018 14:38

I doubt you will get parental leave approved now due to capacity. They have a business reason to decline and can ask you to take it at another time. They likely won't approve unpaid leave for the same reason.

Dependents leave would be for unforseen circumstances.

I'd be keeping a very close eye on any leave I had declined, if someone were then sick.

Florries · 25/09/2018 14:41

How old are DC's, OP?

Original poster
fikel · 25/09/2018 14:42

She is 13 but has issues with anxiety

OP posts:
Florries · 25/09/2018 14:43

Of they are old enough, could you arrange a sleepover at a friends?

Florries · 25/09/2018 14:47

Worse case scenario could she go to work with DH and sit at a table on her tablet or behind the bar until he's finished? Would be an awfully late night for her but in a week's time she'll be up for NYE that late? (I'm assuming the kitchen s close at 11pmish) rubbish suggestion, I know but trying to think of alternatives.

Or a babysitter stay at the house until DH gets home?

Original poster
fikel · 25/09/2018 14:51

It would have been a possibility but we also have a dog that can’t be left for longer then 4 hours. My husband would be at work from 4pm until easilly 1-130. Takeaway attached to the restaurant and last orders are midnight.
We don’t have parents to ask and I would be wary of leaving her for that length of time with friends. I start work at 145pm

OP posts:
Wetdressinggownsleeve · 25/09/2018 15:11

What time do you finish work?

Florries · 25/09/2018 15:15

Babysitter booked till 1.30am seems the best option then, OP. Could you ask around DD's friend's parents who they use as would recommend to babysit?

Original poster
fikel · 25/09/2018 15:16

The next morning at 9am!

OP posts:
Original poster
fikel · 25/09/2018 15:16

All my friends are in the lucky position of having parents still alive

OP posts:
notacooldad · 25/09/2018 15:19

Does she have friends she could go to for a sleepover?

notacooldad · 25/09/2018 15:20

Sorry I see it' has already been suggested!

Original poster
fikel · 25/09/2018 15:35

Just wondering what the outcome would be if I said I would be taking it unpaid regardless of her rejecting my A/L request!?

OP posts:
PiperPublickOccurrences · 25/09/2018 15:38

if I said I would be taking it unpaid regardless

They could take it to disciplinary, and sack you.

Original poster
fikel · 25/09/2018 15:39

Ok thank you

OP posts:
SpottingTheZebras · 25/09/2018 15:44

I imagine your employer will delay parental leave (you are not automatically entitled to it when you want it) as they have already given you a business reason.

If you take it as unpaid regardless of what they say, you will be classed as awol and it is gross misconduct so dismissal is likely.

Methe · 25/09/2018 15:44

How do you normally manage? This situation can’t only come up once a year if you work nights, your husband has a restaurant, you’ve got a daughter that can’t be on her own and a dog that you can’t leave for longer than 4 hours.

Sleepinghooty · 25/09/2018 15:46

Can she invite a friend over to be with her?

Satsumaeater · 25/09/2018 15:52

Can you talk to other colleagues to see if any of them are prepared to swap? But if you do that please don't pull a guilt trip on them, just ask once, and then leave it.

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