Overtime issue

[shifty_uk]

Just in need of some advice.

I, unfortunately work in a retail environment whilst at uni. I generally work 20 odd hours per week over 3 days. It's a small store with a high turnover of ££ and staff. Roughly 15+ Christmas temps were taken on for what I presumed would be to alleviate the stress it would otherwise put on contracted staff.

Cut a long story short, the rota is available 3 days prior to the working week, I've been put in 7 days straight, one day off then back in for xmas eve and boxing day. I have mountains of uni work to do and an exam. I'm only contracted to 12 hours.

Anything I can do? They're thuggish bullies, like most retailers but I've never had issues standing my corner, only problem being I cannot afford firing.

 

[Van Hellseek]

Xmas eve, no. It's not technichally a holiday. Boxing day is... But it depends on your contract.


Edit: Sorry This is more about your amount of hours, rather than working the holidays, right? Well it totally depends on the specifics of your contract. And as a temp you probably don't have a formal contract, right? So sadly it's their way or the highway.

 

[Rotty]

Boxing day (26th) is not a bank holiday this year

this may help

If you are an adult worker you have the right to either:

an uninterrupted 24 hours clear of work each week
an uninterrupted 48 hours clear each fortnight

 

[Participant]

this may help

If you are an adult worker you have the right to either:

an uninterrupted 24 hours clear of work each week
an uninterrupted 48 hours clear each fortnight

Not really cause they're honouring the second one.

Shifty surely the first thing to do is test the water by pointing out to your manager exactly what you've said to us? I.e. too much uni work, only contracted 12 hours (though I presume this is a minimum), etc.

 

[yer_averagejoe]

As stated by the terms of your contract, you're only legally bound to work 12 hours per week. Anything extra is optional. You can choose not to do it. It might set you in a bad light but there is nothing they can do about it. Not even a verbal warning.

I've had my fair share of experiences fighting this kind of battle and every time I've won. Do what you're comfortable with and for the rest, well, just tell them you can't/won't do it. Too many people are push-overs when it comes to bullyish managers.

edit: The worst they can do is allocate your 12 hours at the worst possible times (christmas eve, boxing day etc). But at least you'll have more free time

 

[Trifid]

It might set you in a bad light but there is nothing they can do about it. Not even a verbal warning.

Does it matter for a retail job? I assume the OP has higher aspirations by going to uni anyway. Just make sure you are squeaky clean as any little mistake they may use as an excuse to sack you.