It is recognised that the current school/nursery closures may give rise to additional caring requirements and as such Managers have been encouraged to try to be as flexible as possible with employees that are required to return to work or work from home taking the needs of the service into account.
If you are a key worker your child can utilise the hubs where a partner is not able to provide childcare.
If you live or care for a person who is extremely vulnerable and are unable to return to work because of this you should discuss with your manager and provide information as to what condition the employee has and your caring responsibilities if any.
Leave can be granted via the Special Leave policy. Special leave should be requested under Section 21 – other special leave.
Time off for this reason should be discussed and agreed with your manager in the first instance and you should apply via mySelf.
Out with the arrangements in relation to the school/nursery closures you will be expected to make arrangements for childcare.
It is recognised however that your normal childcare arrangements may be a childminder, a grandparent, or another family member that is considered vulnerable.
You must discuss any concerns with your manager who will consider what options are available to help support you with your childcare issues.
If your manager is unable to accommodate your request to work more flexibly then you can make a formal request under the Councils Smarter Working Policy to change your hours/working pattern. Please note that this is just a request and the service needs to support any change.