Can I Be Forced To Work Overtime Weekends?

[wookette]

I have contracted hours of 8-2 mon - friday. It also says in the employees handbook that i may be required to work overtime as is needed by the business but does not stipulate when and how many. This is to cover weekends staff absence or annual leave.

[woofgang]

If it doesn’t stipulate when and how much they yes, weekends are included.

[Old_Geezer]

I'm under the impression that, that sort of vagueness is deliberately put into the contract to give employers the upper hand and employees no leg to stand on when unreasonable demands are made of them.

[waterboatman]

It's loaded in favour of the employer. They should give you some prior warning that you may be required.

[1ozzy]

//It also says in the employees handbook that i may be required to work overtime as is needed by the business//

I doubt you can be forced to, but, if you continually refuse to you maybe the first name on the "we must reduce overheads" list.

If it is in the handbook and was in any agreement you signed when commencing your employment there you need to think carefully.

[piggynose]

it all depends on type of job it is. I trained as a fitter in the 70's and was told when i was fully trained that i would be expected to work at least every sat morn, and at least 1 sun in the month.

[woofgang]

I don’t think anybody has said that there won’t be prior warning. Unless “on call” is expected (again not mentioned) there would need to be prior warning otherwise all wookette needs to do is not answer her phone or claim that they will be away from home.

[mikey4444]

Employers can get away with anything they like, as long as we let them !

[Prudie]

^ up the workers!

[naomi24]

If you are contracted to work overtime as and when required, which it appears you are, then the employer is within his rights to expect you to fulfil your contract.

[Zacs-Master]

Presumably you signed the contract in full knowledge of the conditions regarding overtime? If so then you'll have to abide by it or risk being fired.

[Boto]

Why did you sign the contract if you don't want to abide by the conditions?

[CrapAtCryptics]

It doesnt seem that unfair after all you will expect someone else to cover your hours when you want leave or are sick.

[Peter Pedant]

well it depends on what your employment contract says

here it says that when you signed you understood you maybe required to work overtime.

so the answer can you be forced to work overtimme is yes

if you doan wanna do it - time to look for another job....

[wookette]

Thanks everyone. Just wanted to see what people thought. Its not that I don't want to its just the way my employer goes about it!