Discussion Boards I care for...
Applying to work from home.
- By rintyg
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Sat 1 Dec 2007 11:47
I have been caring for my mum, who has progressive lung disease, for the past 7-8 years on my own. I do have 2 siblings but they "have their own lives". I also work part time for the NHS as a typist and I have my own health problems too, but I am OK really. My mum's condition has started to deteriorate and everything is getting on top of me. I really feel on the edge at the moment, especially with Christmas coming and everybody else seems to be enjoying themselves apart from me and my mum.
A few months ago at work, I noticed that we were allowed apply to work from home and because of my caring responsibilities and my health problems I decided to apply. I contacted Personnel who said they treated applications in a positive manner, but I had to contact my line manager first. My manager has repeatedly ignored my emails and other communications about applying to work from home. Eventually, she said that it would be "very difficult" if I worked from home.
I can't see a reason why I wouldn't be allowed to apply, all I do is sit and audio type and I rarely get to see anybody at work - all my communication is done electronically. My boss hardly ever sees me because my hours are "inconvenient" (I work between 6am and 11am).
Does anybody out there know what my rights are regarding applying to work from home and whether, if I was allowed to work from home while caring for my mum, I would have to stop when she dies? I know the end is coming soon and I am terrified.
Thanks
Replies
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By Greebo
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Re: Applying to work from home.
Sun 2 Dec 2007 11:19IMHO you've got a good chance of getting this sorted legally - 1st stop the CAB, next stop your local law centre.
Moneybox live (radio 4) covered flexible working etc a few weeks ago and they had a legal person in the studio.
From what I remember "it would be very difficult" is not a sufficently good reason to turn down your request if you are a carer or parent. However, you don't have a right to get allowed to work from home or work different hours even though you have a right for your request to be seriously considered and given a reasonable answer. Your employer is legally bound to assess whether it's possible to grant your request.
It would probably help your case if you make it crystal clear to your employer how little of your current job involves direct contact, and how little your ability to do your job would be changed (except for the better) if you worked from home.
I know it's not really your responsiblity, but it might improve your chances if you think of all the things your employer could reasonably object about and come up with ways around them.
Good luck, you deserve it.
- By rintyg
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Re: Applying to work from home.
Wed 5 Dec 2007 12:21Thanks very much Greebo!
Your reply really made me feel better about things. I am going to type up all the good reasons why it would be beneficial for my employer to allow me to work from home so that I can refer to it when I approach my boss.
Thanks for your support!