New Job refused time off for my wedding

24 Posts

Hello-I’m really hoping for advice as aIm not sure what to do .
I’m self employed but due to the pandemic business has been badly affected so I’ve applied for a part time job and been offered it .
The job is within a large company and I’ve been given no details for HR but rather an app from an outsourced company where things like holiday requests etc are made .
My agreed hours are 24 a week and it’s on a shift basis. I was told it was however a zero hours contract although at the same time made clear to me I am expected to work 24 hours a week and three weekends in four . At the time of interview I wasn’t asked about booked holidays but did mention I was getting married in April .
At the time of acceptance I told my line manager that I was getting married and asked if they’d honour that . She replied that she would “accept that absolutely “ in an email but said I had to request this leave via the HR app.
I start straight after Christmas and after submitting the leave request on the app it’s come back as denied and my line manager is now on annual leave for three weeks so I feel that I’ve no choice but to withdraw from the job or cancel my long awaited and all paid for wedding .
My other option I wondered .. is if it’s zero hours contract , then I believe I’m not obliged to accept work ? So legally could I actually say that sorry I’m not available to work the days that fall when I’m getting married ?
0
Latest MSE News and Guides
Replies
I can bear pain myself, he said softly, but I couldna bear yours. That would take more strength than I have -
Diana Gabaldon, Outlander
I'm surprised that you have access to the app in order to be able to apply but, as you clearly do, I imagine the program which must judge whether leave is granted has not found you as employed and therefore you are not entitled to any holiday.
Try contacting a human.
It sounds like a company that wants everything, 0 hour contract for their benefit despite being able to guarantee 20+ hours a week every week... That does not sound like a company which cares about its employees, just do whats best for you.
If they don't then you have another couple of months of work before you then could consider leaving job if your wedding wasn't granted as that's not an employer I expect many people would want to work for.
I agree that if it is agenuine zero hours contract youdon't *have* to accept hours offered, but I think given the timescales you can afford to wait until your manager is bck and then address it with her.
I'd apply again when you have started work and mention it to your line manager when you start. Presumably it's your line manager that schedules your hours anyway?