part time - but constantly being asked to do extra days - where do I stand?

[pinkandred]

I'm currently working on a part time temporary basis. Recently, over the last few weeks I have been asked to work additional days to cover holidays, which I have done. At my interview I was asked if I could be flexible over the days I worked and I stated that within reason I could but I did clearly state that I could not work full time hours (childcare is a problem for me).

Ive just found out that the manager is planning on asking me to cover
I've already got plans for that week for the days that I don't work and I don't really want to change them because its things that Ive paid upfront for.

[ThePendant]

what happens when you say no?

[ItsAllTLAsToMe]

I don't understand - do you get paid for the extra days?

I imagine you have less rights, less sick leave etc., than a full-time by contract person would.

[pinkandred]

Sorry, tried to edit and pressed enter too soon.

Manager is planning on asking me to cover over the next half term which will mean full time for me that week when the children are off school. Ive already made plans for the days I don't work that week and even if I haven't, I have no one to look after the children for 5 days. DH taking time off is not an option.

As I'm on a temporary contract I feel that I need to do everything they ask in order to have a chance of it being extended. But, I feel as though I cant plan anything with the dc for the foreseeable future because I feel as though I'm "on call".

[pinkandred]

Pendant - I haven't said no yet

Itsalltlastome - yes I get paid for working the extra days but we are fortunate that we don't need the extra money, the time off is more of a necessity to me.

[fedupwithdeployment]

Contractually you have to work your contracted hours. You said you would be flexible outside of that, and so you have, but you do have limits.

i would say, "Sorry, but I can't do those days, I have prior commitments." If they want someone to be flexible all of the time, they will need to take someone on ft.

[flowery]

Not sure I know what you mean by 'where do I stand?'. Say no if you can't do it, but yes there is a risk they may not extend your temp contract if they need more flexibility.

[pinkandred]

Thanks for the replies.

Flowery I think thats what may happen eventually. I dont want to work on an ad-hoc basis along side my contractual hours. Even if I did want it I wouldn't be able to sort out child care at short notice. I accept that I have to be a bt fllexible but so far I have done between 1 and 10 hrs extra each week.

[poocatcherchampion]

nothing useful to add except that I'd be annoyed too.