New job, unpaid overtime, advice please.

Jami74

My husband started a new job (delivery company) which he was very excited about.


The contracted hours are 5 hours a day, 5 days a week (in his contract it says this includes meal breaks but there's no chance for a break when you are out delivering). His contract says of overtime that he may be required to work it at times and also that his hours may change but he would be given notice.


He had a couple of days working with another person and between them they finished on time. This week he had to do that round by himself. It took him 8 hours. He does not want to work 8 hours every day as he has other commitments (hence taking on a part time job).


He told the training person today that he was going in half an hour early to make up for being new and inexperienced but that in total it was taking him 8 hours. The training person said that he'd only be paid for one hour of overtime each day. My husband said that he wasn't sure how he could do the round in 5 hours and that he really needs to finish work on time as he has other commitments (hence taking on a job with suitable hours), he cannot work an extra ten hours over his contract each week without pay. The trainer told him that everyone else does and if he has a problem with it he needs to talk to the manager.


My husband is not slow or unfit and is sure over time he will find short cuts to increase his speed, he expected to have to put in a bit more time initially to get the hang of things but can't see how he can reduce the time it takes to do the job everyday by 3 hours.


So he is seeing the manager next week. Any advice on what to say or not say? The advertised and contracted job hours seemed perfect to fit around family. With the kids going back to school this week he cannot work 8 hours a day. Is he obliged to work the extra hours? And would they really expect him to work them unpaid?

marliepanda

It really depends on whether the round is possible in 5 hours. Is he driving or walking?

If the company feel it's reasonable to do the round in 5 (6?) hours, and he's taking 8, then no he won't be paid for the extra I imagine.

He can finish with the round unfinished but I imagine his employment won't last long.

I know some delivery and pick up drivers at my work are on tight schedules. When the printer guy picks up things he's practically snatching it out of my hand because he has about 2 mins to get in and get out.

ThursdaysChild

Do the others (he was "working with another person") usually need 8 hours for the equivalent workload when they work it by themselves?

sangie595

Unfortunately, such things are common in delivery jobs. I suspect that the minute he says he isn't doing it will be the minute he gets dismissed. Sorry, but this is how the majority of delivery companies operate.