Changes in family situation that could affect present job
Discussion
Just looking for suggestions on how to broach this subject with my employer. At the moment I am seperated from my wife and have been for over 3 years now. I have 3 children with her who I see as regulary as possible. Now my eldest son who is 10 is autistic and has proven to be more than a handful for the ex, especially as he is getting bigger and stronger. She's not a big lass so restraining him when he is in a mood etc is now getting beyond her. I have been increasingly more worried that he will lash out and that his behaviour will get worse if it is left unchecked for any longer. She is at the end of her tether and to be quite honest can't cope with it anymore.
I spoke to her recently with a view to him living with me permanently as he needs more attention than she can give with two younger kids to deal with as well. He's a bright lad and is in mainstream schooling and has no behavioral problems apart from at home.
I work for a large national company that gives 24 hour cover and I am shall we say one of the ones on the front line so to speak. It is variable shifts (days, evenings and weekends etc) and I would like them to be changed to monday to friday days so I can use a childminder for before and after school which will give me a good 9 hours at work per day if needed. This would equate to more than my contracted hours alone so still scope for a few hours overtime and weekends that he spends at his mothers could be worked also.
I intend to approach this with a would it be possible type request but would like to know if there's anything I need to know before being bamboozled with all sorts of hr and employment law stuff that I don't know or understand. The ex recieves some sort of disability allowance for him so he is sort of registered disabled (no blue badge etc he doesn't need one it's not a physical disability) so will this be a factor that my employer will consider?
He needs a structured, disciplined, routine in a normal home enviroment and the last thing I want is for him to be placed in some sort of residential care that I feel will do him more harm than good. Regardless of the outcome I won't let this happen to him but need this job to be able to financialy support us both.
I spoke to her recently with a view to him living with me permanently as he needs more attention than she can give with two younger kids to deal with as well. He's a bright lad and is in mainstream schooling and has no behavioral problems apart from at home.
I work for a large national company that gives 24 hour cover and I am shall we say one of the ones on the front line so to speak. It is variable shifts (days, evenings and weekends etc) and I would like them to be changed to monday to friday days so I can use a childminder for before and after school which will give me a good 9 hours at work per day if needed. This would equate to more than my contracted hours alone so still scope for a few hours overtime and weekends that he spends at his mothers could be worked also.
I intend to approach this with a would it be possible type request but would like to know if there's anything I need to know before being bamboozled with all sorts of hr and employment law stuff that I don't know or understand. The ex recieves some sort of disability allowance for him so he is sort of registered disabled (no blue badge etc he doesn't need one it's not a physical disability) so will this be a factor that my employer will consider?
He needs a structured, disciplined, routine in a normal home enviroment and the last thing I want is for him to be placed in some sort of residential care that I feel will do him more harm than good. Regardless of the outcome I won't let this happen to him but need this job to be able to financialy support us both.
If you work for a quality employer and you are a valued employee you should have no qualms raising this issue with your own boss and expecting a sympathetic hearing. As already stated, there is no formal obligation to adjust the terms of your existing contract, but it should be looked at sympathetically. Additionally, I would recommend, although I am sure you have already, looking at the many support networks available, both Local Authority and charity sectors, for people who find themselves in your situation with children with autism. These can provide solutions other than going in to full-time care. Good luck and do let us know how you get on.
First thing is to get an idea in your head of how you see the care arrangements working. What hours do you need to work, do you need a later start in the mornings etc.
Then speak to your employer, just an informal chat at first to see how the land lies. Be upfront about your situation.
As has been said, you are entitled to request flexible working, although it is up to the employer whether to grant this or not. It may be that they neotiate with you to come to an arrangement that suits you both.
You also have the right to tiime off to look after a dependant, but this is unpaid and is really designed for unforseen situations (child has measles and is unable to go to childminder etc), rather than ongoing childcare.
Most employers are reasonable if you talk to them
Then speak to your employer, just an informal chat at first to see how the land lies. Be upfront about your situation.
As has been said, you are entitled to request flexible working, although it is up to the employer whether to grant this or not. It may be that they neotiate with you to come to an arrangement that suits you both.
You also have the right to tiime off to look after a dependant, but this is unpaid and is really designed for unforseen situations (child has measles and is unable to go to childminder etc), rather than ongoing childcare.
Most employers are reasonable if you talk to them
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