Working Parents (or parents to be)
Being a working parent or carer can be extremely stressful. Not only do you essentially have two jobs but, at various times, you may worry that you’re not putting in enough time or energy into either. Sadly, it doesn’t matter how good you are at multi-tasking, you can’t be in two places at once. At times you will need to take time off work, leave early, or come in late, and you may fear that this won't go down too well with your boss or colleagues. But remember that aren’t entirely at their mercy. You are entitled to take certain leave by law and neither your boss nor your colleagues are allowed to give you grief about it.
If you’re a working parent, or about to become one, you need to know your rights - when you are allowed to take time off by law, and how much; whether your leave will be paid, and at what rate; and whether you can change the hours or the way that you work (either temporarily or permanently).
We explain what your rights are according to the law, and show you how you can put them into effect. You may be entitled to further leave or pay according to the terms of your contract (go on, dig it out and have a read! It’s gripping stuff!). Or you may be able to come to a different agreement with your bosses (perhaps by making the time up later etc).Please use the index on the right for more information.
Whatever solution you find, you are likely to feel more confident and find it less stressful to discuss the issue with your boss if you know for sure what your rights really are…
