Feel like I've been duped - anyone care to offer perspective? (LONG!)

[TommyKnocker]

Used to work in a professional service prior to an extended maternity break. I wasn't quite sure whether to go back to what I used to do or try something new/start again, tbh the most important thing for me was to find something flexible and part time.

Applied for a few things and was offered a couple of roles, after weighing each roles flexibility I chose what is a fairly entry level role as it would be full time during training then perfect hours including flexi.

I've just completed my 2nd week of training and was just told yesterday afternoon that actually for this role, part time hours can't start until you pass your probation at 6months and that training is throughout the six months....I absolutely can't do 6 months full time. My husband has been really supportive about my return to work (he's a high earner with a stressful job) and has sorted his diary for the next 6 weeks so he could help. I've also roped in some of the school mums to support, which they've been happy to do, I've helped out a lot over the years with living next to the school and being SAH.

It's been a challenge to organise (I am using asc also but it only runs to 5.15). To find out at this point I need to stretch this out to 6months is not possible, logistically but also I don't want to do 6 months f/t and I wouldn't have considered the role, especially as it is entry level, with this info.

I'm flummoxed with what to do, on the one hand the office is pretty handy location wise and the hours after training couldn't be more perfect but there's no way my husband can do 6 moths worth of pick up at 5.15 (before anyone jumps on this he really can't) and my house of cards school mums help will not last for that long. Even if they could let me get away at 4 so I can be there in time for asc, I don't want to do that for 6 months.

The manager who told us this said it was definitely not negotiable, and while I may be able to do some hybrid training it'll be as and when so not much of a help. I just feel like I've put all my focus into this (the recruitment process has been long), husband sorting diary, pulling in favours from friends, getting the kids up earlier for breakfast club for the last fortnight and it's all a waste.

Can anyone offer any thoughts or advice? I'd geared myself up so much for this and it feels like it was for nothing.

What did the contract say about hours / length if training period etc. As I don't really understand how this confusion can arise. Its law for you to have the terms of your employment hours / wage etc in writing.

At the end of the day it sounds like you are going to have to resign and pick up the search again. It's possible that when you make clear the misunderstanding, they will not want to let you go and will discover some flexibility, but if not at least you will hopefully have taught them to be more upfront with the next recruit.

@RicStar the contract does state my typical hours and that I will be entitled to flexi, which will start after training. It also mentions that there will be a training period which will be f/t however it doesn't actually mention the length, that's on me as I confirmed with them verbally but should have asked for them to add it to the contract (still I wasn't expecting training to be up to six months for this role...it didn't enter my head for this level of role). Obviously there is a paragraph about probation but no where does it state you must be f/t within that probationary period.

I'm pissed off with myself as I used to deal with contracts so I should have been through it with a fine tooth comb.

They have a load of info on how they are welcoming of women back into the work force and pride themselves on offering flexible p/t roles but no mention that you can't access this for half a year!

It’s absolutely on them too that they didn’t make it clear about 6 months when they knew you wanted PT.

If you can't do 6 months FT then you need to quit. There's no way around it. How much notice do you need to give? As you are still in your probationary period it can work both ways...

But they should be a lot clearer in their contract about how long the training takes.

You can find something else.

If your dog is a high earner, employ a nanny.

Dh!

Yes, I think you're all right, I'll have to quit if they can't figure something out. I just can't believe this has never come up...I feel it must have happened a few times and either people have just gone along with it because the benefits afterwards are great.

@Turmerictolly tbh I just don't really want to. I probably sound like a dick but f/t just isn't what I was planning for so long! I also think we'd struggled to find someone to fit in with what we need, that's why I've been able to pull so many favours as I've been helping others out for years as childcare seems to be so hard locally for primary age. Maybe I should go for a complete change and become a Childminder!

I don't really think there are solutions, I think I just wanted a moan. I'm feeling doubly sorry for myself as a broke my arm last week and it keeps waking me up.

@TommyKnocker its poor practice they were not upfront about the 26 weeks FT and from the sounds of it their contract has enough to make it difficult to prove they are in breach.

If you can afford it, resign on Monday with immediate effect and walk away. They have shown you exactly what type of employer they are and I would say that to them. This way you keep the good will of those helping you out with childcare.

Spend Monday contacting agencies for PT agency work, you will have transferrable skills that make you employable. This gives you an income whilst looking for a permanent solution. Try looking for public sector agency jobs there are usually loads and they are often good with PT, flexi time etc.

If you really want this job then look at hiring someone for the hours you need whether that's before/after school etc. Occasionally you can really luck out with someone who doesn't need school hours maybe they work as a TA etc., and can do evenings. A friend was able to get this b/a school care from a local TA and it worked fabulously. Otherwise they sound very rigid and not completely honest so definitely if you really don't want to do this, then quit. Six months training at FT seems quite excessive for entry level.

Being a part time childminder can be a brilliant job.