Contracted hours

aj16_2

A friend of mine works for a food wholesaler, as a sales ledger clerk. Her contracted hours are 09:15-18:15. Recently, she was suddenly told to start working 07:30-16:30 and to also cover reception (receptionist has left and there appears to be problems within that area). Nothing has been put in writing,  no pay increase with the extra duties, and no indication as to how long arrangement will go on for. When my friend questioned it she was told "you are refusing to work". She is doing the hours but has complained to HR and they are now reviewing contract.

I've attached a specific part of contract, which states shift work from time to time. Has the employer covered themselves there? But she is essentially doing 2 jobs which are not in contract. Any advice much appreciated, which I will pass on to her.

LightFlare

In accordance with operational requirements appears to cover it


 
I dont suppose she happens to be in a union ?

aj16_2

LightFlare said:

In accordance with operational requirements appears to cover it


 
I dont suppose she happens to be in a union ?

When I read that part of contract was thinking the same. But she is not in a union. Will be interesting to see what HR says.

LightFlare

One avenue to take regarding the extra duties is for her to mention that whilst she is “happy” to do this,that is may (does?) have an impact on her ability to fulfil her primary/contracted role 

That way, they have less comeback to comment on her lack of productivity there.

Pay doest really factor unless there is a substantial difference in the rates for the two roles.
As it stands she is still doing 40hrs and getting paid for 40hrs - adding the second role hasn’t Increased her hours (or has it)

MyRealNameToo

aj16_2 said:

But she is essentially doing 2 jobs which are not in contract. Any advice much appreciated, which I will pass on to her.

Presumably she's not doing two full jobs but doing both jobs part time?

The two jobs are typically paid similar amounts so it's not like she's normally doing her role as a clerk and is now being asked to do an audit of prior year accounts or anything much more senior. 

Is this a career for her or just a job? If the later then broadening experience into being a receptionist probably isnt a bad thing and adds another string to her bow next time she's job hunting. 

aj16_2

MyRealNameToo said:

aj16_2 said:

But she is essentially doing 2 jobs which are not in contract. Any advice much appreciated, which I will pass on to her.

Presumably she's not doing two full jobs but doing both jobs part time?

The two jobs are typically paid similar amounts so it's not like she's normally doing her role as a clerk and is now being asked to do an audit of prior year accounts or anything much mis a career for her or just a job? If the later then broadening experience into being a receptionist probably isnt a bad thing and adds another string to her bow next time she's job hunting. 

From what she's told me there is nobody on reception. When someone rings bell she is there to help. I would tend to agree with you about the pay and I don't think this is a proper receptionist role. Employee reviews about the company are mostly negative, I know she wants to leave and it's really up to her now.