Mandatory training course - discrimination?

[Isleepinahedgefund]

I’ve just moved to a new department in the Civil Service, into a new profession. I’d welcome some input as to whether this could constitute some sort of discrimination.

I’m expected to attend a week long, 9:30 to 4:30 training course away from my office. They don’t offer it any other way, or any other formal training for the profession. I’ve had to cancel attending twice already because of childcare.

I’m a single parent and my access to childcare is limited - it’s a massive juggling act as it is (and yes she does see her dad and yes he is pulling his weight, but he can’t just change his work up because I need to go on a course). Because of this, I work three days in the office and two at home. I can’t get to the office before 9:30 on two of those days because of my childcare start times, and the training venue is a further 20 mins walk past my office. I can’t get childcare on the two days I work at home (all full) and anyway I’d still be late to the course and have to leave at 3:30 to get home in time to collect.

For the record, many people have a comparable commute - the office is in Westminster so no one lives that near.

I raised this with the manager and was told he was sure I could “juggle things around” so I could attend, and that I really wouldn’t get on career wise if I don’t. I want to challenge the organisation on the course format as I can’t help feeling the current arrangement means that it will be women with children who often won’t be able to attend because they work part time etc. I don’t see why it couldn’t be done over five weeks one day a week or something like that.

Am I on to something? Thanks.

When you say
I can’t get childcare on the two days I work at home
Do you mean your child is at home with you on those 2 days each week?

Mandatory training is mandatory training. It's more you want things all your way, it's only 1 week! How do you suggest they resolve it? Bespoke training for you when it's convenient?! Sounds expensive, inefficient and demanding to me. They are late to start and early to finish anyway. Not sure if your manager will be "sucking it up".
It's mandatory. In my line of work if l don't do mandatory training then it turns into a disciplinary issue. Cancelling of courses also potentially leads to your department being charged for it, not sure is CS do the same

What sort of childcare do you use OP?
If it's a childminder, ask if they, or someone they know might be able to do the extended hours as a one off.

If it's a nursery, ask the staff there. One of them might be able to do some wrap around care.

Emergency nanny (most expensive option but maybe ask employer to help).

If they are at school and it's an after school club, ask the staff there to extend hours (and offer to pay for the extra staff if needed)

It's so doable

That's why I asked how old the DD is, @palahvah - if she's at school then I guess working is doable, but as an employer I'd question how someone can work while looking after a child. Childcare is a full-time job in itself, I certainly couldn't do a full day's work with a child running around.