Xmas day,been told i have 2 work the late(2-8)however,i have 2 dependants I'm a single mum and a carer for my

Question

termanlly ill dad.ive no one 2 care for them.my manager doesnt like me and is not likley to change my rota any advice please.thanks in advance for answers.

i work as a support worker in a nursing home.the reason they say i have to work is because someone has to do it,people that ususly help with his care ,wont on xmas for obvious reasons.i get no support from work,if anything there openly hostile to mt circumstances.realy worried im going to get the sack.(love the job -hate management)

Answer 1

Go to someone higher up than him. Go on the internet if they've got a website and get the details off there. Otherwise just tell him you're not going to do it and why and if they sack you, you have the grounds to go to an industrial tribunal to sue the pants off them. It would amount to a constructive dismissal. If you're scared of talking to him put it in writing. It might be best for you to do that anyway so you're covering yourself. Just make sure you keep a copy of it.

My dad was terminally ill for a year and I had four kids and a business to run. Our business partners tried to tell me I couldn't go and visit my dad because they needed my (then) husband to have the car to go and pick staff up but I put my foot down and told them where to get off. It's cruel for him to be treating you like that.

My heart goes out to you. I hope you can work it out.

Answer 2

That's the advantage to working in Scotland.

Recent changes in the law mean employers cannot obligate workers to work that day (unless you work in the Public sector of course, but even then I know managers etc try and make allowances).

If only the Scottish Government had ratified New Years Day too...

Even without that your employer should have better planned it. In my business there are always staff willing to work Xmas instead of New Year and vice versa and I rota accordingly well in advance.

Answer 3

I take it you work in a care home?, Speak to your manager and explain it is not possible to work the hours that have been put down for you, if the manager does not re arrange your shift with someone else then i personally would go to the doctors on friday 21st dec and state that you are feeling down and your manager is putting pressure on you at work alsowith your dad and the kids it is getting to you, the gp may put you on the sick for a week or so and your manager cannot by law sack you or even contact you while you are off work with a sick note.This happened to my husband last new year and it worked, i know its awfull but it sounds like you have alot on your plate. good luck

Answer 4

Obviously you took on the job, knowing the possibility of unsocial hours & necessity for bank holidays.
Saying that I totally sympathise with your situation.
I don't think you will get far by going above managers head,
which would only cause further conflict & hostility.
Firstly,try, talking again to her, & other staff to swop shifts. Secondly ,ask her if you could bring your kids with you to work. Old People like kiddies at Christmas. Its only 6 hours.
Failing that, I can only suggest, trying to get a good friend /neighbour t look after your kids &/or Father.
If you go down the route of being sick on that day, it could
rebound with regard to your health attendance.
Good Luck.

Answer 5

If they didn't receive anything there was a reason. Yeah, I would share but it would depend on the circumstances. If the sibling was a drug abuser, no I'd not give the money until he/she cleaned up. If the sibling is a screw-up, no I am not going to enable them by giving a bunch of money.

Answer 6

They cannot force you to work on Christmas Day as far as I am aware.

Speak to ACAS - they will give free advice.

What a nightmare - you are also allowed compassionate leave by the way. Check out your rights.

I also suggest you look for a new job - loads of places will take you on with more suitable hours - care places are crying out for people. Getting looking and move from a place that is causing you misery and anxiety.

http://www.acas.org.uk/

Answer 7

Does your manager know you have no one at home to help?

Does he have a manager over him that you can go to?

Is there a HR person dept you can complain to?

Can you swap with co-workers who are single?

Are you part of a union?

Is he working Xmas day?

Ask if you can bring the kids and your father into work?

Unless he's a total monster maybe if he realizes how sick your father is ...

Also is he a church goer try to find out what church he goes to and dob him in to his pastor or priest if he makes you work Xmas?

And what business is this that you have to work Xmas day?

Join your union quickly!

Maybe you should live out where he lives and if he has a nice upper middle class home out in the urbs and a family drop off your kids and father there while you're working Xmas and tell his family why you're doing it!

Do you know anyone like your local church pastor or priest or a doctor or social worker who can approach your boss and vouch that you cant get any respite care for your father?

Write to a local newspaper anonymously and dob him in for making people work Xmas day citing your case without naming yourself?

Finally please name this business and the location so if we live nearby we can boycott it on Xmas day or go in and complain about it being open on Xmas day!

Answer 8

I feel for you, I have to do shifts also, but I have been lucky in that I got Boxing Day and News Years day ( if you can call that lucky )
I would get a sick note a few days before, to last over the festive period if I were you. Tell the doctor due to your comittments you are stressed/depressed. Which will be true, lets face it, its not a lie is it?

Answer 9

i manage a similar type of environment, so lets try to be objective
at interview for job were these type of issues discussed?
was any consultation done with staff members whilst compiling rotas?
how many shifts have you been rota'd for , are they your normal shifts ,normal days?
have all your colleagues been rota'd accordingly, or has favouritism been shown/can it be demonstrated that you are being victimised?
is there a colleague you could swap shifts with?
do you have recourse to appeal to a senior manager/ owner?
who looks after your dependants when you work normally?
please feel free to e-mail if you feel i could be of further assistance

Answer 10

Poor you.!
I would do what Chris said and phone in sick.In the meantime,look for a new job.
Knowing your situation,your Boss should show compassion and let you have the break.It's not fair.I hope you get it sorted and wish you a lovely Christmas.:0)