CCTV operative working conditions

[Freewheelin]

My DP asked me find out if the conditions he works under could be challenged. Basically it would appear not but here is my rant on his behalf:
His employer is a company which provides a service to a local council. The employees work from council premises and liaise closely with both council and police.
*Employees used to work 8hr shifts then staff were cut to save money and now they can work 11hr shifts. They often work 5 11hr shifts in a row. 8 in the morning till 7 at night.
Night shifts vary from 7pm-1am during the week through to 7pm-5am on Friday and Saturday nights.
From what I have gleaned off the internet standard limits on hours and the amount of hours between shifts do not count for those in security roles.
*shifts follow no set pattern and staff are paid by the hours worked in a month, so, one month he may work less and be paid less. This usually involves using an overdraft. Another month he may work slightly more. Another month slightly more than that. Therefore no chance to budget and constantly chasing an overdraft. Requests to be paid a standard monthly wage have been dismissed as 'unworkable'
*The control room is enclosed, it's in the basement, darkened and fully air-conditioned because of the heat generated by all of the equipment. 11 hour shifts in a very cold environment. This causes headaches, backache and stiffness.
*Because of government cutbacks there are often not enough police officers to deal with incidents. CCTV operators are finding themselves in increasingly difficult positions. They have strict guidelines on their role but are being used to 'police'. They monitor problem areas but when they see a crime committed there may be no one to deal with it. These issues were brought up in a recent TV series on CCTV.

[Lunastarfish]

Is your DP in a trade union? If not, he may want to join as this is something they may be able to consult the employer about.

On the face of it, the terms do not appear to be unlawful re pay and hours. (I think security guards are exemption under the Working Time Regulations 1998). Are you able to save money the months DP is paid more in order to not use overdraft?

With regards to coldness, there are rules on minimum temperature. Check the Health and Safety Executive for more info. The employer should provide warm clothing otherwise staff may end up injured and need personal injury claims.

[Freewheelin]

I'm not sure about the union Luna I'll ask.
Likewise suggest he records temperatures. At least he will have the information to hand. I can't believe it has to be frozen down there. Surely just below ambient would be sufficient.
Anyway forgot another thing,
*No meal break. The company allows 10 minutes per hour as breaks. The operatives are not to leave the building. No eating in the control room.

[Freewheelin]

With regards to overdraft what seems to happen is that
month 1 underpays-overdrawn.
Month 2 normal- overdraft paid off with extra.
Month 3 slightly extra- car has MOT/it's Christmas/you name it...
Month 4 less shifts again- overdrawn.
Month 5 ditto but even more.
Month 6 more shifts- pays off bigger overdraft.
Month 7 more shifts- breaks even.
Month 8 normal- gets by
Month 9 less shifts.........