Impact Report

“For four years, I’ve worked for the same employer with flexible arrangements that allowed me to care for my neurodivergent daughter. As a single mother, I relied on my guaranteed fulltime weekday hours with fixed shifts to manage my caring responsibilities.

“When my daughter settled into her new SEN school, I asked my employer if I could go full-time. I had the option to buy our rented home – something I’d been working towards to provide stability and financial security – and the increased income would help with securing and affording a mortgage. My employer seemed supportive.”

“Shortly afterwards, I was asked to sign a contract variation which I thought reflected my request. I work on the railways, and when asked to attend the office, I found the environment intimidating. I’m also neurodivergent, which my employer knew, so trusting them and feeling under pressure, I signed what I thought formalised our discussion.

“A few days later, I realised I’d actually signed a zero-hours arrangement – no guaranteed hours, income or security. I felt extremely anxious. When I asked to revert to my previous contract, explaining this wasn’t what I’d asked for, my employer refused. I then raised a grievance which was also refused. I felt so stressed, panicking about how I’d provide for my disabled daughter or buy our home with no guaranteed income.”

“I looked for help, starting with my union, but my rep was unsupportive. I had a free half-hour with a solicitor, who told me to quit my job. Everywhere else, I was told I “didn’t meet the criteria” for free legal support, or had to pay – which was financially impossible for me.

“Through an online search, I found and contacted Working Families. An employment solicitor got back to me quickly, calling instead of emailing because I’d explained I’m neurodivergent and this was my communication preference. She was kind, friendly and reassuring.”

“She reviewed my work correspondence and explained how a work contract isn’t always confined to what’s written on paper. She helped me understand that the way I’d been treated potentially amounted to indirect sex discrimination and/or disability discrimination. I wanted to keep my job, so we planned to appeal the grievance decision.

“My adviser went above and beyond, putting together an appeal pack – I was blown away by the detail, yet it was written in a way I could understand. She’d drafted my appeal document and given detailed advice on handling the process. I immediately felt more informed and confident, knowing I had a clear path to follow.

“As the process progressed, my adviser was always available when I needed advice. After the appeal hearing, she drafted a follow-up letter covering points I hadn’t managed to express during the appeal. She was dependable, professional and emotionally reassuring during an incredibly stressful time.”

“From the beginning, I felt well supported. The lines of communication were always open and I never felt alone. My adviser was patient and compassionate, showing genuine empathy throughout.

“I honestly don’t know what I would have done without Working Families’ support; it’s been life-changing.”

“I was two weeks away from returning from maternity leave when my employer said that, due to a restructure, my role was no longer needed. I was offered a role that was 70% similar but with more responsibilities and losing my managerial responsibilities. I believed that the decision made was against the law, but I wasn’t sure how to argue this or what my rights were, and what case I had to make sure I was properly compensated for losing my job.”

“It was incredibly stressful and outside of my husband I felt utterly alone. I was facing the reality of leaving a job I’d loved for 11 years and losing my income when I had two children to care for. My baby had already started nursery, and I didn’t know how I was going to pay for it. I was also incredibly angry at the change of leadership for putting me in this position. The last weeks of my maternity leave were very upsetting.”

“Having contacted Working Families, I was so grateful for the time spent on the phone. Just having someone to listen to was a big help. I didn’t feel rushed or hurried. At the time I was just calling whoever I could, I honestly had no idea of the quality of the advice at the time, but it ended up being 100% accurate and formed the basis of the case I put forward.

“Using the advice I was given, I negotiated with HR and ended up with double the amount I was originally offered as a settlement. Although I’m currently unemployed, I am at least able to keep supporting my family while I establish my own business.”

“Had I not contacted Working Families, I wouldn’t have been empowered by the information I received.

“I think the main thing for me was just finding someone to talk to and getting some advice on what to do next, and I got all that and more from Working Families.”