Working mum and school / nursery holidays

Omg…. I’m going into panic mode. Just started a new job and I did not think about the nursery closing dates over Christmas until the new year. I’ve managed to get some help from family as they are off on some of the dates but there is one day I’ll have to have my child at home with me ☹️ if I can work from home that is.
I’ve only started this job so I don’t want to start making requests already even though this is important for me to have childcare so I can also work.
I’ve only been there 2 weeks 🥹 and it’s typical office hours.
How are other parents managing this? BTW I am solo parent too.

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I believe parents are entitled to unpaid leave where dependants are concerned however, I think you may have to be in the job for a set amount of time first. We are very lucky as my parents help us but was worried about this situation when it comes to her starting school and the holidays etc so I found something on government website.. let me see if I can find the links

Here you go… Parental leave is unpaid. You’re entitled to 18 weeks’ leave for each child and adopted child, up to their 18th birthday. The limit on how much parental leave each parent can take in a year is 4 weeks for each child (unless the employer agrees otherwise). You must take parental leave as whole weeks (for example 1 week or 2 weeks) rather than individual days, unless your employer agrees otherwise or if your child is disabled. You do not have to take all the leave at once. A ‘week’ equals the length of time an employee normally works over 7 days.

https://www.gov.uk/parental-leave/entitlement

Thanks a million for this . I’ve had a look into again and due to my length of service, don’t think I can request this from my new company

I would still put a request in and explain it’s an unexpected circumstance and that as a first time mum you genuinely weren’t aware. See what options they give you… what’s the worst thing they can say or do? Probably say no? Honestly, a half decent company will consider your well-being in this situation I reckon!

You’re right, worse case they say no.
Thankyou 🫂

Good luck darling! The unexpected joys of being a parent but still the most rewarding thing you’ll ever do 😉 xx

How did you get on with this? xx

Heeeeeey, so sorry I missed this Paige. It was alright in the end as I was able to work from home, they were really understanding and they even suggested spreading my tasks across the day so they were not strict on the 9-5 window. Pheeeew
Enjoy the rest of 2024 and happy new year x

Awwww this is amazing news and I’m so glad to hear it went in your favour as well. Happy New Year!!! xx

Thankyou Paige. Happy new year to you too 🥳🥳🥳🥳

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