Hi,
What would you do in this situation?
I pondered about an NHS job for a while earlier this year and applied, but withdrew my application. Perfect job for what I wanted to do but not local (85 miles away). Hence why I withdrew. Role is in my profession and I was unhappy in my previous role (not my profession).
Job advertised again (as they didn't fill it) so I phoned the manager. We had a chat and he felt I was a good candidate for the role and asked what my hesitations were. I said distance.
Anyway, he came back after talking it through with another manager and said the role could be worked mainly remotely and would I be able to work 3 days on-site and two from home. As this means forking out for hotels and AirBnB's I was reluctant as it just wasn't worth it if it was going to cost me that much. I applied anyway and figured I could negotiate. Mileage was same as my previous job but I'd be doing it in one trip per week.
Got the job and had another chat with the manager. Didn't accept at first but said I wanted to do two days on site (the role can be done mainly remotely) as it was gong to cost me too much. Again, he went off and returned and said he was happy for me to do two days on-site. I was offering flexibility and said I'd go in any two days of the week and would change them, if needed. I asked a question about it in an email and he replied, again, he was happy with the arrangement. Others also work remotely, although only 2 days a week (but live close by).
I accepted the job based on this. I was willing to stay one night a week. I worked 3 months notice and started the new role at the end of May. I have done 3 days a week on-site for a couple of weeks due to induction. This week I did two on-site and put in my Outlook diary I'd do 2 moving forward. He called me today and said he's noticed I'm only in 2 days for the next few weeks. He then said I have to be there 3 days a week! He didn't seem to recall arranging two days and insisted I go in (from next week) for the 3 full days moving forward.
So, this has put me in a really difficult situation as it will reduce my income even further and I didn't want to be away from home 3 full days as I have a teenager at home who'd be on her own. Plus, 3 days away from home seems a lot longer.
I can't afford it and am annoyed that I've given up a job close to home now. He has gone back on his word.
I still have the email saying he was happy with the two day arrangement. At first, he was insisting I did 3 days but he knew I'd turn the job down if it was 3 days on site.
Is there anything I can do? It's NHS. I'm already looking for another job because of this. They struggle to recruit so you'd think they'd be flexible!! I am in a completely autonomous role so not affecting anyone else.
I'm actually doing a lot in my days in-site that I could do from home - that's the annoying thing!