To say no to covering at work?

[ChunkyMonkeysMum]

Basically, I work 16 hours a week as standard. When I took the job I took it because the hours suited me and my family as Mum could have the kids (she also works p/t).

I have done this type of job before so assumed that if cover was needed i would be able to swap my shift in order to cover someone else if needed. It was only when I started the job that I found out that they expect cover to be in addition to my normal working hours which means me having to ask mum to have DC's for extra hours.

Anyway, due to the little hours I do and the even littler money I earn, I currently fall under the tax bracket. 2 months ago, I did 5 hours overtime that month, then last month I did 7.5 hours, however because I was then taxed, I actually only earnt 4p more than the previous month!!!

This month so far, I have already done 5.5 hours overtime and have been asked by my boss if I can cover a shift next week (another 5 hours), so not only will I have to ask mum to have my boys, I won't actually earn much extra, if anything at all really.

So AIBU in saying no, sorry I can't do it unless they are prepared to give me the time off in lieu (which is highly unlikely) and do you think I should explain my reasons to my boss?

[ChunkyMonkeysMum]

Also, I was put on the spot when she asked me and they are really funny about people not covering, so have made me feel really awkward.

[FabIsGoingToGetFit]

Just say no. You don't have to explain or justify it.

[StealthPolarBear]

I think if you are happy to do it then you should explain and ask for time off / to swap shifts. If you'd rather not then just say no, can't do it.

[flossielimejuice]

I find this tax situation hard to believe. As you should only pay tax on earning above the tax threshold. Are you sure payroll have calculated it correctly?

[ChunkyMonkeysMum]

I know, but it makes me feel really awkward as I keep saying no because if childcare issues. Thing is, they knew when I started that I had 2 young DC's and that I relied on my mum for childcare so could only do certain hours, but they still expect me to do my fair share, even though a lot of the others have grown up kids.

[ChunkyMonkeysMum]

That's the thing Flossie, it says 5 hours o/t on one payslip and 7.5 on the other but a lot more tax and NI was paid and I only ended up clearing 4p more even though I had worked 2.5 hours more that month.

[paisleyleaf]

Workplaces can make it difficult to say 'no'.
yanbu And should be able to say no. I bet you keep getting asked because others are saying 'no' alright.
I used to feel guilty about not covering shifts when work were short staffed and even put them ahead of my family at times. I've hardened up to it now though. And more you say no, the less they bother asking you too.
They're only asking, and shouldn't think any less of you if you can't do overtime.

[DetectivePotato]

YANBU, you have childcare issues. They shouldn't keep putting you on the spot like this. I would stick to your actual hours and say no when they ask. Say you can't get extra childcare outside of your normal working hours. If they want you to work extra then it should be in your contract, not expect people to take a contract of a certain amount of hours, then say "by the way, we expect you to do more"

You could also say it messes with your tax credits. (Don't know if you get them, but I know if my DH does loads of overtime, it can mess up our TC at the end of the year).

[Fel1x]

Next time she asks just tell the truth - 'working more hours than my contracted ones means I'm actually worse off with the way tax credits works, sorry. I'm happy to do my best to swap shifts to help you out but I really cant do any extra'
She cant expect you to do extra work that you arent obliged to do for nothing or that actually amkes you lose money

[ChunkyMonkeysMum]

Thanks everyone. I've dug out the 2 payslips I was talking about and I'm going to take them in on Friday and show my boss. I do get tax credits, but it's next to nothing, but will certainly let her know tat it will mess them up too. Thanks again!

[blueshoes]

I think it is crazy that the way tax credits are structured they actually discourage people from working more.

[LimaCharlie]

YANBU working extra hours for pence - I think if you explain it to your boss they may be able to come up with a better compromise

[hairytriangle]

YANBU. I'd check your contract, the situation and also whether they have any policy on work life balance, dependents etc.

You have a right to request flexible working but they dont have any right to make you work any more hours than suit you if you have a 16 hour contract they are being unfair in asking for more than that!

They need to be careful - you could, at an extreme, if this proves difficult, have a case for constructive dismissal (IE: you found it intolerable to work there due to unfair pressure).

Phone your CAB or the tax office about the tax thing!

[JeezyPeeps]

It could be that your tax code has changed that month, hence paying more tax.

[ChunkyMonkeysMum]

No, my tax code was exactly the same.
If I do 5 hours overtime, I am still below the tax threshold so pay no tax and only paid a few quid NIC. When I did 7.5 it took me above the threshold, so the extra 2.5 hours should have earnt me £21.50, but I paid almost £3 more in NIC and tax of £18 and pence, so was therefore only 4p better off that month than the month before when I did 5 hours extra.

[ChunkyMonkeysMum]

Plus, very rare that your tax code would change and go down, therefore making you pay more tax, usually the tax code increases slightly allowing you to earn a bit more before paying tax.

[sunnydelight]

YANBU. I would however explain so your boss understands why you are not being unreasonable!

[IamBatman]

I always have to turn down overtime for this reason. Just say 'no sorry i can't' and explain why, its a perfectly reasonable excuse not to

[JeezyPeeps]

"Plus, very rare that your tax code would change and go down, therefore making you pay more tax, usually the tax code increases slightly allowing you to earn a bit more before paying tax. "

Thats just simply not true. The tax thresholds increase, not every year but regularly. But an individuals tax code can go up and down for many reasons - taxable benefits, second jobs or self-employment over and above paid employment, unpaid tax from previous years etc etc. I am a qualified accountant, and my job is to manage payroll, so I DO know what I am talking about.

There is no way you should be paying £18 of tax on £21 of earnings. There must be more to it than that. What tax code is on your payslip?

[ChunkyMonkeysMum]

My tax code in this employment and previous employment is 647L, no changes recently.