I've been offered working bank hours

I've had two bank staff jobs recently. Usually, the contract will be something along the lines of 'we have no obligation to offer you work, and you have no obligation to accept it'. So, you are entitled to turn down work offered to you if you can't manage it, within reason.

The downside is that your working hours, and income, will be inconsistent, and you may not get any hours sometimes. Plus, you may not have access to all the same things that permanent staff do (in one job, I wasn't allowed to view the shared staff calendar even though it would've made my life easier ), and being able to contribute to a pension may not be possible unless you're earning a significant amount.

Also if you're working just a couple hours here and there, and have to commute, the commute may actually eat up most of your earnings for the day (well, if your bank role is as low-paid as mine have been!!)