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Working conditions changing massively and suddenly

6 replies

thechickenwhisperer · 20/10/2022 15:42

I’ve recently started working remotely for a training organisation, as a local link tutor (based in south east). At interview a few weeks ago, I was assured that whilst there would be some travel to visit learners this would be no more than 50-80 miles away. They asked if I might do “very occasional” overnight stays, once every year or two. Accepted role, assigned two learners 100 miles away in addition to more local learners. Didn’t complain. This morning, just been told I have to take on 5 more in the south west. Told all expenses would be covered, and that it would be doable in a day or two. Just seen the list, they are all spread over a 100 mile radius, few near train stations, over 180 miles away from home. Would require 2-3 nights away 5 times between now and June, plus many hours of travel time. I have three very young children and a partner who works away two days per week. I cannot make this work, as all visits, including ‘local’ ones (many of which are two hours away already) have to be completed within three week windows. I feel completely blindsided and don’t know how I’m going to do this - I would never have applied if I had known this would be required. What are my options? Is this reasonable of my employer?

OP posts:
NoSquirrels · 20/10/2022 15:45

What is the exact wording of your contract?

AdoraBell · 20/10/2022 15:49

Check the wording of your contract and go from there. If it says the same as they told you then tell you can’t do the long distance/more nights away.

Asparagoose · 20/10/2022 16:05

So basically you were told the learners would be within a 1hr drive, which is commutable. And now they’ve assigned you learners who are 3hrs away, which is not commutable. Just say no, that’s not within the terms of your contract. But be prepared to be sacked.

thechickenwhisperer · 20/10/2022 17:59

Contract is really unspecific - just refers to job description, which is v general.

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Xiaoxiong · 20/10/2022 18:06

I think what you have been told in terms of frequency and distance can be incorporated as implied terms in the contract, or can be used to help interpret what's in the contract if it's too vague.

I would say to your line manager that wasn't what was agreed, and see what they say - is there any room for negotiation, maybe there are other learners closer to home and they just didn't give them to you as you're new to the role, etc.

thechickenwhisperer · 20/10/2022 18:37

Apparently my caseload was too low (I had 12 down from 18 due to various deferrals and withdrawals - many of which had already taken effect before I joined, and none through any fault or doing of mine - this is not in dispute). Apparently the minimum is 20 - but this isn’t written anywhere! So I’ve apparently got to take them on because I don’t have enough work - even though I’m already working full time on the 12 I had already. This is what happens when private companies take over public sector training and get greedy.

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