Help please!!!

[Lemmonie]

I work part time, 3 days a week as a receptionist.

My childminder has toe dropped me today that he cant collect my kids from school till I finish work (3pm to 5pm)

Ive told my work and they are insisting I take a days unpaid leave as they want to get a temp in.

Previously the rest of the team covered if someone wasn't here. This has been the case for the last 4 months where I have covered my job share lady's work but only from 9am to 2.30pm as ive had to get the kids.

[Vaud]

What's the question?

[Lemmonie]

sorry! Im all emotional!

Can work force me to take a days or half days unpaid leave despite the fact that I can and am willing to work till 2.30pm

[paul71a]

Well, why are your domestic arrangements the fault of your employer? you want to have time off, take it as holiday or unpaid.

I'm pretty sure your employer does not see you as a charitable cause.

Should your employer see fit to give you the time and still pay you, then you should be grateful.

Whatever gave you the idea that not working as your contract, yet still expecting to be paid as if you had worked, was just or equitable?

[Lemmonie]

Of course I don't expect to be paid for hours im not working. Im not stupid!

I expect to be allowed to take two hours off UNPAID rather than forfit an entire day which is what they are asking me

[Vaud]

Lemmonie said:

Of course I don't expect to be paid for hours im not working. Im not stupid!

I expect to be allowed to take two hours off UNPAID rather than forfit an entire day which is what they are asking me

You have the right to take parental leave, unpaid (https://www.gov.uk/parental-leave/overview) without harming your employment rights for plantable activities.

This area covers emergencies:
https://www.gov.uk/time-off-for-dependants/your-ri...

The difference between the two is foreseen vs unforeseen.

Reading the latter, which explicitly gives your example.

Disruption of care arrangements
You could get time off if:

• a child minder or carer doesn’t turn up to look after a dependant

I am not a lawyer, but it would seem that they can only give you unpaid for the time you are absent, not an increased penalty of a day for 2 hours out, but you'd need more detailed advice than the 2 web sites above.

Your employer might just need a gentle reminder of the above 2 sections.

[Lemmonie]

That is really helpful Vaud thank you.

So in a nutshell, next time, rather than give a days notice to arrange cover and general be helpful in ensuring they aren't toe dropped into my leaving. I shall just do exactly the opposite and toe drop them and make it an emergency.
There is was thinking I was being considerate and the courtesy isn't extended back to me. Shame.

[Vaud]

Lemmonie said:

That is really helpful Vaud thank you.

So in a nutshell, next time, rather than give a days notice to arrange cover and general be helpful in ensuring they aren't toe dropped into my leaving. I shall just do exactly the opposite and toe drop them and make it an emergency.
There is was thinking I was being considerate and the courtesy isn't extended back to me. Shame.

As I say, look at both pieces. Employment legislation changes (I'm only just learning my rights as a new parent) - and employers, especially small ones aren't always up to speed.

It might be worth taking a conciliatory approach at first and with the legislation in your pocket, sit down with your boss and ask how you best manage it going forward, reminding them firmly of your rights but in a positive way.

"This is my personal situation, this occasionally might happen, how do we best approach it so that the business has minimum impact and neither of us feel put out?"

You seem covered for both emergency and planned unpaid leave within reason.