paid lunch hour?

Lychee

Hello,

I started a new job 2 months ago. In my second month, I did some overtime at work and recently got my wages for it. It turns out that the basic rate of pay was lower than I thought and I think this is due to my having a 'paid lunch hour'. Apparently, this is stated in my contract; "You are entitled to a paid one hour lunch"...

So, for example, say I am paid £10,000 per annum for 35 hours per week (9-5pm, not including an hour lunch). This works out:

£10,000 / 52weeks / 35hours = £5.4945 per hour

But because I'm supposedly paid for my lunch hour, it actually works out like I'm working a 40 hour week-

£10,000 / 52 / 40 = £4.807 per hour

Which basically means I get paid less per hour for the 5 hours of overtime I did.

I'm wondering, can I tell the company that I do not want to be paid for my lunch hour (I'm not doing any work then!!) but earn the same amount i.e. £10,000 per annum? Just to increase my basic rate of pay and therefore earn more per hour for any overtime.

Thank you

robnye

have you tried talking to the personel/human resource department, i would be surprised that they havent already been asked this question

skintchick

I doubt it.

nailman

1) I suggest you check with ACAS. They are normally very helpful.
2) How old are you? Mimimum wage went up recently to £5-05 per hour for over 21 (i think)
3) How does this effect your holiday pay? Are they going to pay you normal pay or make deduction for dinner break?
4) Make sure you get a contract of employment.

Papa Hodge

jobbingmusician

Also check the following with ACAS.

1. What is the period within which your employer HAS to give you a written contract of employment (I can't remember, but I think it is within 2 months of you starting.)

2. Assuming that your employer is outside the period when they should have given you a written contract of employment, can they suddenly impose this condition (a paid lunch break) about which you knew nothing when you worked the overtime.

Worth checking!