Hi. For context, I am a single parent to a 6 year old. Work four days a week, 28 hours. Paid just above minimum wage for a what I’d say is a fairly skilled job. Hybrid working - full time staff do 2 days in the office and 3 at home. To save me having to do 1.5 office days pro rata, my boss agreed I could do 1 office day one week, 2 days the next (alternating). My mum picks up DS 2 days a week, can’t do anymore than that, nor do I expect her to.
Work (higher up than our big boss) are now saying they want us in 3 days a week. That would be pro rata for me, which is the equivalent of 2.4 days a week. I’m guessing they’d accept me doing 2 days one week, 3 the next.
My problem is this. I don’t drive and live a good 1.5hrs on public transport from the office (don’t shoot me, I bought a house where I could afford it and after Covid thought about leaving but then they let us work in a hybrid model which currently works well). I’ve juggled hours so I can pick DS up three times a week. He goes to breakfast and after school club on the days I WFH. Breakfast club starts at 8am after school club finishes at 4:30pm. My working hours vary very slightly each day, they’re usually 8am-4pm. There’s literally no way I could get into the office in time and do the school run and pick up. Oftentimes my bus doesn’t turn up on my office days and it’s taken four hours to get home before.
There is one childminder at DS’ school and she’s always full. No other minders or wraparound provision beyond that.
Apparently this 3 day rule will apply to everyone, but I really don’t know what to do and it will literally be impossible to do what they’re asking.
I did think about reducing my hours but that will impact our family significantly as I’m the only earner. Plus doing 3 days means I’d have to make up 0.4 of a day somewhere.
Can anyone offer any advice, please?
Many thanks