Compulsory overtime?

undercover_peon

Had something bugging me the last few weeks working at Npower.

We are busy every night lately thanks to a new billing system which frankly has done more harm than good. You can view other posts if you are interested in that.

Anyhow at a certain point in the evening for the last few weeks they suddenly realize we aren't going to get through the calls in the queue so we get an order to start explaining to customers that we cannot deal with the call now and we will log a callback request.

When giving this instruction, and often afterwards, the managers bark something to the effect that we need to clear the queue otherwise we have to stay logged in.

It has never actually come to that, and it might just be a tactic to 'encourage' people to do the shortcalling, but is there anywhere I could look for the actual legalities of this?

Don't get me wrong I work overtime when required, but if my shift is finished can anyone order me not to log out? Or are they breaking some kind of law everytime they do so?

Any replies appreciated.

AP007

You can be made to do over time paid or unpaid unless your hourly rate goes below NMW

custardcream1000

I am not sure sorry, but it is an interesting question.

Can they really make you AP007? Surely you are only legally bound to work the hours stated on your employment contract.

AP007

custardcream1000 wrote: »

I am not sure sorry, but it is an interesting question.

Can they really make you AP007? Surely you are only legally bound to work the hours stated on your employment contract.

Really? Most, if not all contracts will state overtime as necessary. That's how they make people do the over time legally.

https://www.gov.uk/overtime-your-rights/overview

You do not have to be paid for them unless you go under the NMW

AP007

Addition:

Can an employee be forced to work overtime?

Employees only have to work overtime if their contract says so.

---

So if your contract say overtime as necessary then they can

undercover_peon

Ive had a quick look online and the consensus seems to be legally there is nothing to stop them but compulsory overtime at short notice is a great way to pee off staff quickly.

The nearest i got to someone saying no was some law website going on about them having to have regard for your welfare.

However i imagine that would only be a goer if you had say someone you look aftee or were vulnerable yourself.

scooby088

There is normally a clause in a contract saying the needs of the business may require the need to work overtime paid at the agreed level.

Personally I think you should not be made to do overtime it was always optional everywhere I have worked, surely though overtime would have to be paid even at your basic hourly rate without any enhancement?