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Arena Magazine 2007 Issue 4 Winter Arena |
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Seasonal overtime
Your question answered.
Every Christmas and New Year the company put pressure on staff to work extra hours, often at short notice. Do we have to do it?
Unless your contract states otherwise, working additional hours is voluntary and should be agreed mutually between employees and their immediate manager. Most workers are unable to work additional hours at short notice because of family or caring commitments and you should make this clear from the outset.
The company should anticipate the extra demands on the business and take on seasonal staff or seek volunteers from the permanent staff to cover the increased workload.
Of course many workers also see the festive period as a way of making extra money through overtime, so it does suit some staff to take on more work. They should clarify exactly how much their hourly rate will be as some companies only pay premium rates after more than 39 hours are worked, some companies pay time and a third after this, some pay time and a half. Make sure you know what you will be paid or you might be in for a nasty shock come pay-day.
While this advice is accurate it is not a definitive guide to the law or your contract.
If you have any concerns you should contact your local rep/official or ring the helpline 0845 6060640.
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