Can i leave work on my unpaid lunch break

froggyribbit

Hi there i work for a big supermarket chain on nights ( morrisons ):rolleyes: , Since ive been there only 5 months ive always been told we arnt allowed to leave the shop on our breaks , can they do this i wish to go home for my lunch thats all its unpaid so why should i be there if i dont wish too.

Every one is scared to stand up to the managers and say they want to go out even though 90% of the staff smoke and have to go all night with out a smoke , so i guess my questions are .

Can i leave on my lunch ?
Can the give me a disiplinary if i do ?
And even if they say im not allowed and i do it anyway will i lose my job?

Thanks in adavnce:D

juliescot

Unless there is something very specifically written into your contract then yes you can leave.

What reason have they given?

davetrousers

Do you have a staff handbook, or can you get hold of one?

My attitude would be that you can't tell me what to do if you're not paying me!

jamespir

if it states n your contract then you cant

its all to do with health and safety if youre out on youre lunch and no one knows and theres a fire there could be serious problems

and yes you could be sacked

juliescot

jamespir wrote: »

if it states n your contract then you cant

its all to do with health and safety if youre out on youre lunch and no one knows and theres a fire there could be serious problems

and yes you could be sacked

I doubt very much if it is to do with health and safety at all.

hothothot_3

The issue here is one of staff theft.

Health and safety does not come into it here - (although it is a valid reason for cetain jobs). There should be a log that you sign in and out.

Legally they cannot stop you from leaving the building if they are not paying you. There are some exeptions in certain jobs - such a single security guard would be expected to stay at work in case of an emergency arising - but not in the situation and role you are in.

Practically they will make it very difficult because once one person starts then other people will no dount have to courage to demand leaving also.

If you want to look into the legal side, check the working time directive - unpaid break you can rest wherever you want.

Comstock

Some places lock their staff in on nights, ostensibly for security reasons.

sammyjammy

I don't mean to be cynical but you have only worked there for five months, they can sack you anytime they like and for any reason, there are plenty out there that would like your job so perhaps it might be best just to accept the rule.

lesleyvhalifax

Comstock wrote: »

Some places lock their staff in on nights, ostensibly for security reasons.

morrisons is one of those places

DCFC79

Ive worked nights before and none of the other night staff went home for lunch, im not sure if it was because they werent allowed to do so or if it wasnt worth it(only had half hour for the main break) but i think it was because it wanst worth it. Just politely ask if you can go home during your break, they cant sack you just for asking well they shouldnt do but you never know

froggyribbit

sammyjammy wrote: »

I don't mean to be cynical but you have only worked there for five months, they can sack you anytime they like and for any reason, there are plenty out there that would like your job so perhaps it might be best just to accept the rule.

No they cant sack me after 5 months ive done my 13 week trial so now im fulltime thats why i was asking.

and yes there reason is security but the door is opened several times a night to let in cleaners and the bakery staff so there kind of making up rules as they go ,

i will ask to get a copy of my contract and read the handbook tonight