Forced overtime

[Deleted member 314049]

Hi, wondering if anyone can help.
I work for a chiropractor. I do 2 days a week and have another part time job.
Someone has left and they haven't replaced them yet. We're expected to cover holidays which is fine, but we're currently being expected to cover holiday plus the missing persons 4 shifts a week. No matter how much we end up doing they always ask for more and won't take no for an answer.
Over the next 8 weeks I'm doing 8 overtime shifts.
If I refuse to do any more where do I stand?
A few months ago they tried to give me my notice as they assumed I didn't want to work there anymore because of my other job which only affects my ability to cover one morning shift a week. They didn't even ask, they assumed. I managed to keep my job but bad to change shifts as a compromise.
Are they allowed to give me my notice if I say I can't do any more overtime between now and Christmas cos of childcare?
Can they force me to do overtime? Im not the only member of staff in this situation.
My contract is at home so can't check at the moment, but think it says we may be required to do some overtime as and when needed. At what point does reasonable overtime requests cross the line? Or if it says "May be required", does this mean we need to do it, or does the contract need to be more specific than that?
Thanks

 

[Newchodge]

How long have they employed you?

 

[Mr D]

If you do not do overtime what happens?

 

[Deleted member 314049]

I've been there since April, so just over 6 months.
If we don't agree to do the overtime she just gives it to us anyway and we have to do it it's a joke it really is... she doesn't care that we have other commitments

 

[Mark T Jones]

They can give you notice without specifying a reason.

Or you can leave without specifying a reason. Either your employer is a bullying autocrat or you aren’t communicating effectively

In the second instance, sit down and have a sensible discussion about it

In the first, you’d be better off finding another job as the situation will only get worse

 

[Deleted member 314049]

Unfortunately it's the first. She's a bully

 

[Deleted member 314049]

So am I unfortunately in the position of I've got to just suck it up and do whatever o/t they tell me to do, or leave? That really sucks...

 

[fisicx]

Why does it suck?

The contract says you will be expected to do overtime to meet the business needs and that's what has happened.

If she is a bully the working environment will only ever get worse so go find another job.

 

[Deleted member 314049]

Just sucks as however much we do it's not enough for them cos they're dragging their feet recruiting cos she's going on holiday

 

[fisicx]

In which case hand in your notice today.

 

[Deleted member 314049]

I dont really want to do that. I dont mind the job itself, it's just my boss I have a problem with (attitude etc, our area manager is aware of her attitude so its not just me). I was just asking for genuine advice as to what rights I have if any. Didn't really need the "suck it up or leave" answer but thanks...

 

[Mr D]

I dont really want to do that. I dont mind the job itself, it's just my boss I have a problem with (attitude etc, our area manager is aware of her attitude so its not just me). I was just asking for genuine advice as to what rights I have if any. Didn't really need the "suck it up or leave" answer but thanks...

Basically in first 2 years either side can say sorry it's not working out and part company. After 2 years you have a bit more protection.

There are multiple businesses where overtime is basically mandatory when given. You refuse to do it and can be gone the same week.

 

[fisicx]

The problem you have is there is no genuine advice. If the manager regards you as someone they can bully to get their own way the only options for you are to stick with it or leave. If the area manager won't step in to help you really are on your own.

 

[Deleted member 314049]

Oh bugger. Oh well. I'll have to see what they say then I spoke to the area manager yesterday and said that I can't do any more overtime between now and the end of the year due to commitments so will just have to see what they say then...

 

[Mr D]

Oh bugger. Oh well. I'll have to see what they say then I spoke to the area manager yesterday and said that I can't do any more overtime between now and the end of the year due to commitments so will just have to see what they say then...

The manager and area manager should look at the needs of the business as well as the staff.
You not doing overtime may simply put more on the other staff. Or may cause a couple of staff to be recruited. Or anything in between.

 

[Deleted member 314049]

Unfortunately we all have the same issue. No one is happy with the amount of overtime we're forced to do but I'm just the first to voice those issues

 

[Blaby Loyal]

Leave and leave them in it. Doesn't sound like it's worth all the aggro and upset to me and undeserving of your time and efforts.

 

[Jeff Nev]

It does not sound like a healthy working environment and is clearly making you unhappy, if I were you I would shift my focus to seeking new opportunities.

 

[GraemeL]

What does your T&C of employment say about overtime?