Help - conditional annual leave, can they ask me to do this?

[user17896]

I have recently returned to work part-time in the NHS. I really enjoy my job and it is quite intensive, down side is the pay is pretty terrible but I have been out of work (by choice as SAHM) for so long that it is a good first step back into work for me.

When I was interviewed the manager requested I cover my job share's annual leave when she is away and vice versa, I agreed but now am feeling a bit resentful as I am finding it a real struggle to cover those days (thereby making those weeks full time for me) particularly in school holidays. So for every 10 days of annual leave I take, I have to then work 12+ extra days.

I have read through my contract and there is no mention of this, the only place it is mentioned is in a letter sent to me when I was offered the position. Can I request that leave is covered in a different way or have I agreed to this by accepting the job offer?

Thanks in advance.

[CanarySong]

That's bonkers. I'd hate that.

If you were one person doing that job full time then surely someone else would expected to cover your annual leave?

[user17896]

Hi Canary
It is bonkers when I think about it, I think it didn't actually dawn on me straight away, now I am feeling pretty pissed off!!
My manager is quite intimidating and most of the staff are quite scared of her so I am not sure how to tackle it. I think i was so grateful to be offered a job I jumped too quickly!

[TheLittleFoxes]

No advice but I'm in the same situation. It sucks!

[user17896]

thelittlefoxes can i ask whether you have tried to find a solution or raised it with your manager? I have mentioned it to the lady I job share with but haven't had a reply from her.

[TheLittleFoxes]

No, it's tricky. I'm on a temporary contract so don't want to rock the boat. We've also been told that we can't take leave unless the other can cover. So if I say no to my job share then she can't take leave when she wants. I'm looking for another job as I also work weekends and bank holidays with no extra pay.

[oftenwrong]

Hi,
I'm NHS as well, although not part time or job share. In my team you can only book leave if one of the others agree to cover you, they also restrict how many staff are off at a given time.
If in doubt the hr department and or your union will help

[CanarySong]

Do you get paid for those extra days then?

[user17896]

Ah, so it sounds like it's not uncommon. My problem is that there is no-one else in our team that can cover as our role is quite specific. There is a team of about eight that all do a similar role so they have a pool of people to ask. They have covered my role with a locum when I was being trained but I expect that is an expensive option!

[user17896]

Canarysong yes I get paid for the extra days, so I am not losing out financially. I just don't want to be working full time in the summer holidays if i can help it.

[PUGaLUGS]

Same situation here. Although when I am asked to do the extra it has now been stressed to me I have to take pay and not the time in lieu (time more precious to me), I say I can only work till say 3pm. I have other commitments.

My jobshare works in another part of the company during the morning so she cannot cover my leave either. I do all mornings, she does the afternoons.

It does suck.

[user17896]

PUGaLUGS who covers you when you are on leave?