Constantly asked to work overtime

Sanne

Would it work for your wife to suggest to the employer that they seem to struggle covering late shifts and suggest she comes in later than 7am? (possibly not as already kids around).

Otherwise, do you know why she’s being asked? Owner not bothered that day! Or possibly having commitments (could be that owner is having problems that could explain why they can’t stay rather than not being bothered - just a thought). 

I’d sit down with my boss on each Monday and agree his the shifts will be covered (“Look boss, I’ve noticed that there are issues covering the late shifts and you need me to stay with short notice - I won’t be able to do this going forwards as I have other commitments so could we chat about the week ahead each Monday to avoid this?”).

As some others have suggested, I’d also think about who else could be trained up to share the burden (Boss, I thought xyz has performed really well and solidly, in light of me going on maternity, I’d suggest we train her/him up to supervisor level so they can cover me and I can help with training them). Yeah, I know it’s not the OPs problem but might help this issue longer-term.

If nothing works then saying “no, sorry, I can’t” on the day will need to be the way forward - “sorry boss, but as mentioned, I have other commitments so I’m afraid I can’t cover today”. 

AskAsk

here is info on having to work overtime

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/rights-at-work/basic-rights-and-contracts/if-youre-working-too-many-hours/#:~:text=If your contract says you have compulsory overtime but it's,t have to offer overtime.&text=Your employer could take disciplinary,overtime you've agreed to.

Marvel1

matticus7 said:

What rights does she have here? surely they can't keep asking her to work longer on the day of her shift without prior notice! 

They can keep asking.
Her answer: No

josephine82

I’ve been in a similar situation to the OP’s wife. In a nutshell, they always knew I would stay because I was loyal, hardworking and wanted to impress. But after a while it just took its toll on me. It came down to having to have that tough conversation with my employer that said ‘I enjoy working here and I like the work, but the extra hours are killing me and interfering with my personal commitments. How can we organise this better?’ I ended up agreeing to work late once a week maximum, and it forced them to identify someone else to work when I wasn’t available. It’s not an easy conversation but has to be done. 

Hope your wife is able to have that conversation and reach a better solution OP. 

penners324

What's wrong with saying she has a doctors appointment at 4.30? Next day anti natal class at 4.30, next day dentist at 4.30, etc etc. 

penners324

TELLIT01 said:

Mrs_Soup said:

If she finds it difficult to refuse then maybe rather than just say no she could have  a reason why she can't do it at short notice- eg "oh no really sorry I have to take the children to the dentist at 4.30". 

Lying to an employer is a bad idea on so many levels.  A simple "No.  I can't work late tonight" is sufficient.  If asked why simply say there are other commitments.

Really? People lie to their bosses all the time. What happens when they have job interviews at other companies?

Emmia

penners324 said:

What's wrong with saying she has a doctors appointment at 4.30? Next day anti natal class at 4.30, next day dentist at 4.30, etc etc. 

You could always arrange things for 4.30 so it's not a lie...

[Deleted User]

penners324 said:

What's wrong with saying she has a doctors appointment at 4.30? Next day anti natal class at 4.30, next day dentist at 4.30, etc etc. 

Because from all of this, in a digital age an Employer can ask to see proof of appointment which the above all provide. No point in kicking the can down the road with lies and mistruths.

Emmia

penners324 said:

TELLIT01 said:

Mrs_Soup said:

If she finds it difficult to refuse then maybe rather than just say no she could have  a reason why she can't do it at short notice- eg "oh no really sorry I have to take the children to the dentist at 4.30". 

Lying to an employer is a bad idea on so many levels.  A simple "No.  I can't work late tonight" is sufficient.  If asked why simply say there are other commitments.

Really? People lie to their bosses all the time. What happens when they have job interviews at other companies?

Personally I take the whole day off as annual leave if I'm going to an interview.

elsien

penners324 said:

TELLIT01 said:

Mrs_Soup said:

If she finds it difficult to refuse then maybe rather than just say no she could have  a reason why she can't do it at short notice- eg "oh no really sorry I have to take the children to the dentist at 4.30". 

Lying to an employer is a bad idea on so many levels.  A simple "No.  I can't work late tonight" is sufficient.  If asked why simply say there are other commitments.

Really? People lie to their bosses all the time. What happens when they have job interviews at other companies?

Aside from any ethics, in this situation it’s sounds like the OP’s wife would have to make up a multitude of excuses which are clearly going to be excuses after week one. Far better to just say they can’t.