A helping hand

[Kaz]

So, I'm working as a trainee train driver in London, but due to my children I HAVE to move to Cambridgeshire. I have tried to see if can get a transfer to Cambridge with my toc but got refused. I have wanted to be a train driver for very long time, but it seems I might have to quit, because my children and their welfare is primary concern.
The question I need to ask, is does anyone know of any trainee train driver jobs going that I can commute to from Peterborough?
I am checking/registered with other tocs, but was hoping if anyone knew of anything and can give me heads up.
I would be particularly be grateful, if anyone knew of any vacancies in Underground.
Thank you

 

[Horizon22]

So, I'm working as a trainee train driver in London, but due to my children I HAVE to move to Cambridgeshire. I have tried to see if can get a transfer to Cambridge with my toc but got refused. I have wanted to be a train driver for very long time, but it seems I might have to quit, because my children and their welfare is primary concern.
The question I need to ask, is does anyone know of any trainee train driver jobs going that I can commute to from Peterborough?
I am checking/registered with other tocs, but was hoping if anyone knew of anything and can give me heads up.
I would be particularly be grateful, if anyone knew of any vacancies in Underground.
Thank you

Have you already discussed this with HR / your line manager / union in full detail? They may be able to accomodate if its a sudden thing that was unforseen prior to starting the course. Trainee driver roles are exceptionally rare unfortunately - as I'm sure you are aware when you went through the process.

 

[357]

Pass out and then look to what other companies will take you, contact freight operators.

 

[T-Karmel]

Consider other options, like maybe renting a room in London that you could sleep at for an very early or late shifts, and spending other days back at new home. That, connected with @357 advice, might get you through the training period and once qualified - off you go somewhere else.

 

[REO Nate]

So, I'm working as a trainee train driver in London, but due to my children I HAVE to move to Cambridgeshire. I have tried to see if can get a transfer to Cambridge with my toc but got refused. I have wanted to be a train driver for very long time, but it seems I might have to quit, because my children and their welfare is primary concern.
The question I need to ask, is does anyone know of any trainee train driver jobs going that I can commute to from Peterborough?
I am checking/registered with other tocs, but was hoping if anyone knew of anything and can give me heads up.
I would be particularly be grateful, if anyone knew of any vacancies in Underground.
Thank you

I’d like to believe Aslef would seek legal advice on that under the Equality Act 2010.

 

[the sniper]

Have you spoke to the union? How far down the road are you with training? While certainly not encouraged, I've known hardship moves be facilitated during training elsewhere. You'd need to make your case to them, making clear how serious the situation is, if you're on the verge of leaving.

 

[43066]

I’d like to believe Aslef would seek legal advice on that under the Equality Act 2010.

I can’t really see what the Equality Act would have to do with this situation. The best advice for the OP, as above, is to speak to management and try and work something out. It would likely be an uphill battle to get back into the driver grade having quit a trainee driver course given how competitive it is.

 

[GB]

Pass out and then look to what other companies will take you, contact freight operators.

You would be very unlikely to find a company to take you on if you have only just qualified, even less so if going from TOC to FOC.

 

[4F89]

Get passed out, then move. You may not get the opportunity again.

 

[wobman]

The best bet is to stick it out, then pass out and look at other tocs or focs. I know lots of drivers that have done that, if you leave as a trainee not many tocs will take that risk unfortunately.

 

[REO Nate]

I can’t really see what the Equality Act would have to do with this situation. The best advice for the OP, as above, is to speak to management and try and work something out. It would likely be an uphill battle to get back into the driver grade having quit a trainee driver course given how competitive it is.

We obviously don’t know the full circumstances from what the OP has said, but there are certain circumstances where it would come into play. Only the OP and anyone they disclose those to would be able to make a full determination.

 

[SCDR_WMR]

I've recently moved areas within my TOCs remit, using a hardship transfer. Definitely use the union, whilst I wasn't a trainee, there were no vacancies and within 4 months I'd been accommodated.
As long as the reason is valid, and given they have already started training you, I cannot see them ignoring your request.

 

[43066]

We obviously don’t know the full circumstances from what the OP has said, but there are certain circumstances where it would come into play. Only the OP and anyone they disclose those to would be able to make a full determination.

I think sometimes people think the equality act does a lot more than it actually does. Having family/domestic issues isn’t a a protected characteristic so it’s difficult to see how that act is relevant at all here.

Aside from equalities legislation, employees do have a statutory right to request flexible working (after 26 weeks’ service). Employers must consider these requests but can refuse them based on business needs. TOCs will often accommodate people with legitimate reasons such as caring responsibilities. Trying to reach some kind of agreement with the employer will be infinitely preferable to leaving and trying to get back in.

ACAS has published some useful background to flexible working requests:

What flexible working is - Statutory flexible working requests - Acas

What flexible working is, the legal right to request flexible working, and how employees and employers can agree a change.

www.acas.org.uk

 

[REO Nate]

I think sometimes people think the equality act does a lot more than it actually does. Having family/domestic issues isn’t a a protected characteristic so it’s difficult to see how that act is relevant at all here.

Aside from equalities legislation, employees do have a statutory right to request flexible working (after 26 weeks’ service). Employers must consider these requests but can refuse them based on business needs. TOCs will often accommodate people with legitimate reasons such as caring responsibilities. Trying to reach some kind of agreement with the employer will be infinitely preferable to leaving and trying to get back in.

ACAS has published some useful background to flexible working requests:

What flexible working is - Statutory flexible working requests - Acas

What flexible working is, the legal right to request flexible working, and how employees and employers can agree a change.

www.acas.org.uk

You’re absolutely right they do

The problem is we don’t know what the exact issue is, but seeking professional legal advice about the situation is always advisable in these circumstances; if negotiations fail to find a suitable remedy to the situation.

I’m not going to guess at the situation the OP is involved in, but have personal knowledge from my own family about how the Equality Act was used to assist in care of children with protected characteristics.

 

[Horizon22]

You’re absolutely right they do

The problem is we don’t know what the exact issue is, but seeking professional legal advice about the situation is always advisable in these circumstances; if negotiations fail to find a suitable remedy to the situation.

I’m not going to guess at the situation the OP is involved in, but have personal knowledge from my own family about how the Equality Act was used to assist in care of children with protected characteristics.

That's the key point I suppose. As you've mentioned, we don't know whether the OP falls into this scenario with regards to childcare. Hopefully they will let us know what is happening soon.

 

[43066]

I’m not going to guess at the situation the OP is involved in, but have personal knowledge from my own family about how the Equality Act was used to assist in care of children with protected characteristics.

That's a very fair point. More information is needed to know for certain.

TOCs generally seem to be pretty good with this kind of thing these days. The key thing is engaging with them at an early stage.

 

[357]

The one thing to make sure is that management don't think you took any driving vacancy and are now making up a story to get a better depot

 

[the sniper]

The one thing to make sure is that management don't think you took any driving vacancy and are now making up a story to get a better depot

Indeed. They will need to be very open/clear about their circumstances.