Overtime contract confusion

mikey72

But you can opt out, or alter the reference period for a favourable outcome.

SapphireFlames

It's not a management job, but it is very technical. I'm not overly bothered about this no overtime pay policy, as this is my dream job anyway. So I won't let something like this put me off - if it's just an extra half-hour here and there, then I'll probably hardly notice it anyway. I was more wondering whether such a policy is standard practice, or whether some employers could potentially abuse such a condition. However, this sounds like a reputable company so I don't think they'd use this no-overtime policy as a means of exploiting people.

The contract doesn't mention anything about time off in lieu though.

jm2926

I've seen this with IT jobs in the banking sector - particularly US based companies. I have know people on these conditions who have no problem because they are never/rarely asked to work outwith 9-5 mon-fri, but I also know people who have resigned because it turned out they were expected to work 2/3/4 weekends a month.

Other issues arose around various bank policies of reorganising teams 2-3 times a year so out of hours work requirements can change if you are moved into a different team. I just mention this as you say it is a technical role, and I wonder if it is similar.

Obviously banks are open regular hours so a lot of maintenance/upgrades take place at weekends or middle of the night. Not ideal with no OT rate, but then often the base salary incorporates this.

getmore4less

This is fairly common but this is totaly one sided so unreasonable if not including any flexability.

I would clarify that for excesive working the company has a more flexable policy before accepting.

I would work any hours needed when busy but expect time off when quiet if they started adding up.

eg.
flexible start end times on normal days, I make doctors appointments to fit rather than need a day off sick.

Need to work a full weekend get an extra day off around a vacation.

Travel on a weekend for an asignment get an expences paid weekend before returning home(often fits in with cheaper flights anyway)

give and take.

grey_lady

On the one hand employers still pay us our 9-5 day when we're texting/surfing/making coffee, running late in the morning so it's not unreasonable to work the odd extra half hour to get something done.

What is unreasonable is hour after hour of unpaid extra work, you shouldnt work for free in that respect. If that ever comes up then it should be possible to arrange time off in lieu or say 'no i'd love to but i have a (insert very good reason not to)'

smartpicture

I've always worked in IT, and while I've never specifically seen that clause in a contract, that is certainly the expectation in practice. Most days people would work a bit extra, and if there was a specific problem that needed sorting then you work for as long as it takes.

In fact, most people except admin and junior staff in every office I've worked in have worked extra hours without pay or time off in lieu. I'm amazed so many people have never come across it!