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Where do I stand with being asked to work after contracted hours without pay?

fuddle
fuddle Posts: 6,823 Forumite
in Employment, jobseeking & training
I work 42.5 hours per week and contracted to finish in the evening. It is expected that all employees stay back 20 minutes after our contracted hours to tidy up. We are not paid for this time.

I have enrolled on a training course that is 30 minute drive away. Doable if I leave at 6pm on the dot as I'm meant to, not doable I I have to stay back.

My employers are not very easy going and rule with an iron rod. I am envisaging problems when I ask to leave on time 1 day a week.

Where do I stand legally? What are my rights? Is there a code if conduct I can have ready to back up my claim for leaving in time? Any help you can give me in this would be very much appreciated.
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Comments

  • ohreally
    ohreally Posts: 7,525 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    fuddle wrote: »
    My employers are not very easy going and rule with an iron rod. I am envisaging problems when I ask to leave on time 1 day a week.

    Don't ask, simply finish and walk out when you're off the clock.

    Not withstanding the above, do these extra hours take you below min wage?
    Don’t be a can’t, be a can.
  • fuddle
    fuddle Posts: 6,823 Forumite
    I'm on minimum wage and work every minute of those 42.5 hours a week. The extra time after 6 has no reflection on my hours or my pay.

    I will not ask, I will pluck up the courage to mention that I need to leave on time 1 day a week.

    I'm still on a temporary contract, I should mention that. I suppose they could get rid of me should I leave on time. Really frustrating to be honest.
  • ohreally
    ohreally Posts: 7,525 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    fuddle wrote: »
    The extra time after 6 has no reflection on my hours or my pay.

    From the information provided, it appears these extra unpaid hours will take you below NMW - unless i've got the wrong end of the stick.
    Don’t be a can’t, be a can.
  • fuddle
    fuddle Posts: 6,823 Forumite
    Thank you ohreally. I don't understand. The extra 20 minutes or so I do daily isn't in my contract and I don't get paid for it. I just do it because it's expected. We all stay back, tidying up etc.
  • patman99
    patman99 Posts: 8,532 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker Photogenic
    Report them. They are making you work 1 hour 40 minutes extra per week. As you are on NMW, this takes you below NMW.
    Never Knowingly Understood.

    Member #1 of £1,000 challenge - £13.74/ £1000 (that's 1.374%)

    3-6 month EF £0/£3600 (that's 0 days worth)

  • dktreesea
    dktreesea Posts: 5,736 Forumite
    What kind of NMW work do you do where you have to spend any time unpiad, let alone 20 minutes a day? That's an employer being greedy and taking the p1ss, imho.
  • Takeaway_Addict
    Takeaway_Addict Posts: 6,538 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts
    patman99 wrote: »
    Report them. They are making you work 1 hour 40 minutes extra per week. As you are on NMW, this takes you below NMW.

    Its not right but if the OP reports them after kicking up a fuss about needing to leave then they will easily put 2 and 2 together and bye bye OP.

    I don't know what the answer is though. Sorry.
    Don't trust a forum for advice. Get proper paid advice. Any advice given should always be checked
  • agrinnall
    agrinnall Posts: 23,344 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Have you worked there long enought to gain employment rights? If not then Takeaway_Addict's prediction is likely to prove correct.
  • AP007
    AP007 Posts: 7,109 Forumite
    The answer is not to suck it up as this is why companies make people do unpaid overtime as NO ONE will say 'no thanks unless you pay me'
    We’ve had to remove your signature. Please check the Forum Rules if you’re unsure why it’s been removed and, if still unsure, email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com
  • Takeaway_Addict
    Takeaway_Addict Posts: 6,538 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts
    agrinnall wrote: »
    Have you worked there long enought to gain employment rights? If not then Takeaway_Addict's prediction is likely to prove correct.

    OP says they are on a temporary contract so I presumed yes.
    Don't trust a forum for advice. Get proper paid advice. Any advice given should always be checked
This discussion has been closed.
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