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Original poster

Not being flexible

33 replies

Gemmarebecca98 · 08/04/2025 00:38

My work has decided to put me on till 5.30 two days end of the month when daughter finish’s nursery at 5.30 what am I meant to do and how do I tell work I can’t do till 5.30

OP posts:
anonhop · 08/04/2025 00:54

All you can do is speak to your manager, try to find someone to swap with or resign probably

anonhop · 08/04/2025 00:54

Or find someone (think you can pay ad hoc childminders) to collect your daughter from nursery but guessing you’ve ruled that out

FelloffaCliffedge · 08/04/2025 02:09

I take it you’ve tried finding someone who could pick daughter up and look after her for a short time?
If there’s no-one then you’ll need to speak to your manager and tell her you have this problem and can’t work to 5.30. It’s enough time that they may be able to find someone to swap you with.

MrsPinkCock · 08/04/2025 07:14

What does your contract say about your working hours?

If you’re contracted to work until 17:30, you either need to arrange suitable childcare, resign, or make a flexible working request.

Ddakji · 08/04/2025 07:15

Can your DP/DH make an flexible request if you can’t do this?

LeaveTaking · 08/04/2025 07:17

I would talk to your manager first, explain what time childcare finishes and see if there’s an alternative.

I think it’s extreme to say resign or find a new role at this point! Work might not be aware of the nursery pick up time?

ViaRia01 · 08/04/2025 07:22

You’ve given very little information. What kind of role is it, do you have any other support with childcare, a friend who would do you a favour?

How long have you been in this job and why has this issue only just arisen? Are you contracted for certain hours? What is the company start/ close time? Were you unaware of the possibility of being given a shift ending at 17:30? Or has your employer moved the goalposts?

Original poster
Gemmarebecca98 · 08/04/2025 19:45

I’ve been in this job 8 years and they were aware of what time my daughter finish’s nursery but recently been putting me on till 6 or sometimes 5.30 my parent works in hospitality so can’t do flexible working my manager was aware of nursery but the deputy also knows and the deputy keeps putting me on these times, have no access to other people to pick her up as they are also at work

OP posts:
CatamaranViper · 08/04/2025 19:55

The business needs someone to work this shift and it isn't fair if someone else is always expected to do it. The company will need to be fair to all staff member. The only way it could work would be if you had a specific contract with set hours

Original poster
Gemmarebecca98 · 08/04/2025 20:00

When I went back to work the manager said they can be flexible if I can’t do a shift due to child care

OP posts:
AmIHumanOrAmIAYeti · 08/04/2025 20:02

Gemmarebecca98 · 08/04/2025 20:00

When I went back to work the manager said they can be flexible if I can’t do a shift due to child care

Then tell them. 🤷🏻‍♀️

PassMeTheCookies · 08/04/2025 20:04

5.30pm is early for a nursery to close where I am. Is it possible to find a nursery that’s open until 6pm to accommodate your work commitments?

LeaveTaking · 08/04/2025 20:06

I would speak to them OP, if they said there was flexibility. It might be an oversight.

You could consider submitting a flexible working request for some security.

Original poster
Gemmarebecca98 · 08/04/2025 20:14

@PassMeTheCookies the nursery is the closest to us and that works for us

OP posts:
andyouwillknowusbythetrailofdead · 08/04/2025 20:23

Someone presumably has to do the shift, why should it always be someone else and never you?

rwalker · 08/04/2025 20:24

Better childcare or change jobs 2 shifts a month isn’t excessive at the end of the day someone has to do them
not fair for other people having to pick up extra late shifts to accommodate your childcare

I’ve been on both sides of the fence with this

AnticleaAndLaertes · 08/04/2025 20:25

Gemmarebecca98 · 08/04/2025 20:14

@PassMeTheCookies the nursery is the closest to us and that works for us

So can your partner pick up occasionally?

Original poster
Gemmarebecca98 · 08/04/2025 20:30

@AnticleaAndLaertes unfortunately his job doesn’t allow it I have no other people round to pick her up as she likes routine as she has anxiety issues, they knew my requirements when I went back to work but I feel like I’m taken for a mug

OP posts:
AmIHumanOrAmIAYeti · 08/04/2025 20:33

They said they would be flexible around childcare.

Have you told them you have issue with this shift and childcare?

Original poster
Gemmarebecca98 · 08/04/2025 20:37

@AmIHumanOrAmIAYeti I’m going to speak to them on Thursday when the deputy who does the rota is back in I mentioned a different shift to her a couple of weeks ago she was annoyed luckily I got to go as it was quite

OP posts:
Original poster
Gemmarebecca98 · 08/04/2025 20:47

@rwalker it’s not once a month it’s every week at the moment even though they know my requirements

OP posts:
BIWI · 08/04/2025 20:50

They might know your requirements, but they don’t have to abide by them! Their requirements are more important, I’m sorry to say.

What does your contract say?

CatamaranViper · 08/04/2025 21:18

Gemmarebecca98 · 08/04/2025 20:00

When I went back to work the manager said they can be flexible if I can’t do a shift due to child care

In writing?
Never accept anything unless it's in writing

Original poster
Gemmarebecca98 · 08/04/2025 21:27

@CatamaranViper I’m not sure if it was in writing as I’m gonna go back to head office to see if it was in writing or not

OP posts:
BIWI · 08/04/2025 21:28

Do you not have a contract?