I am having major personal problems at the moment which are likely to continue for some time and these are causing havoc with my work. I'm barely functioning. I don't want to take time out if at all possible but I am supposed to be going on my CASE placement in a couple of months. I can't - I need to stay here with the support of my husband at the moment but I don't know if they will accept a postponement . So any advice please?????

Also, the company has refused to pay expenses for my travelling back to see my husband every weekend. Without this I can't afford to go back and so they are effectively forcing me to be completely separated from him for 3 moinths which is totally unreasonable. Any idea where I stand legally on forced separation from my husband? And also I think that is a breach of contract on theor part as the are supposed to pay all expenses resulting from the placement - am i right and if so what can i do about that?

Whilst I understand your reluctance to be separated from your husband, I think the position taken by the company is 'normal'. My work has also taken me away from home for weeks at a time but I always paid myself for any weekend trips home. Tread carefully, I presume you knew that you would have to spend time away from home when you accepted the position? However, I appreciate that the timing is not good for you at the moment so I think you should discuss the possibility of a postponement with your supervisor ASAP. Hope it all works out.

ditto.

ask them if they can at least contribute to your travel expenses. maybe they will be more flexible?