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AIBU?

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Original poster

Can retail Manager do this?

37 replies

Sittingontherockofthebay · 05/12/2023 14:59

I work part time in retail, been there over six years and have been doing regular overtime for over a year (doing a specific job), but now a new Manager has come to our store and has taken away all of the overtime, stating that there are no available hours anymore due to a loss in profits.
Ok, I have to accept this, but I've noticed that she's giving regular overtime to atleast 3 new starters.

I find this really unfair, especially as I'm very capable at what I do and have never had any complaints regarding my work.
I am looking for a new job, as I don't feel appreciated now, but whilst I'm looking I could do with extra hours.

AIBU to think that overtime should be shared out equally amongst the staff, or do I suck it up?

OP posts:
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VanillaImpulse · 05/12/2023 22:46

Could you go over your managers head and complain to the area manager?

NoAdultingToday · 05/12/2023 22:38

Could be that they're needed when you're already working, so can't give the OT hours to you.
I had to do rotas a few years ago and had a lovely worker who wanted OT but was working the shifts (set shift times/days) that we needed the OT on. So it very rarely came her way.
Could always be that the new starters are in a lower pay bracket, so costs less to the company. I'm assuming you don't get paid extra (eg double, time and a half) for overtime, I never did in retail.
I hope this changes for you, or you find a new job quickly. Good luck OP.😊

mantyzer · 05/12/2023 18:22

Why not phone ACAS and check? They are very good,

Twogreen · 05/12/2023 18:11

Unfair but they’re not obligated to give it to anyone. I’d find a new job if i were you

Original poster
Sittingontherockofthebay · 05/12/2023 18:10

wormshuffled · 05/12/2023 17:49

There was something when I was getting overtime whereby if you have done it consistently for 12 or more weeks, you can argue it is now a contract. Every so often (after about 11 weeks of doing the same extra hours weekly) they would briefly disappear.
Could it be this? Someone with more knowledge of this will be around soon I'm sure....

I've heard that overtime hours can become contractual, but I assumed you had to be doing them for at least a couple of years

OP posts:
Original poster
Sittingontherockofthebay · 05/12/2023 18:09

ManateeFair · 05/12/2023 17:43

Unfortunately, they don't have to give anyone overtime and if they do, they can give it to whoever they choose.

It definitely seems that way!

OP posts:
Original poster
Sittingontherockofthebay · 05/12/2023 18:08

Smellslikesummer · 05/12/2023 17:37

Seems really unfair!

Just for the sake of trying to find ‘reasons’:
Do they work significantly faster than you? Do they accept being called at v short notice and you don’t? Do they perform specific tasks that you don’t?

No, in fact I'm faster and don't mind short notice calls, we all do similar tasks

OP posts:
wormshuffled · 05/12/2023 17:49

There was something when I was getting overtime whereby if you have done it consistently for 12 or more weeks, you can argue it is now a contract. Every so often (after about 11 weeks of doing the same extra hours weekly) they would briefly disappear.
Could it be this? Someone with more knowledge of this will be around soon I'm sure....

ManateeFair · 05/12/2023 17:43

Unfortunately, they don't have to give anyone overtime and if they do, they can give it to whoever they choose.

Smellslikesummer · 05/12/2023 17:37

Seems really unfair!

Just for the sake of trying to find ‘reasons’:
Do they work significantly faster than you? Do they accept being called at v short notice and you don’t? Do they perform specific tasks that you don’t?

Original poster
Sittingontherockofthebay · 05/12/2023 17:34

WhatNoUsername · 05/12/2023 17:27

Could it be that the new starters have a different contract and are paid less than you for overtime? Not OK in my book but might explain it.

No they're paid the same

OP posts:
Original poster
Sittingontherockofthebay · 05/12/2023 17:33

Anisette · 05/12/2023 16:22

Have you asked her why profits concerns mean that you can't do overtime but don't seem to stop the new people from doing it?

I've asked but she either tries to change the subject generally or says their more flexible (which they aren't)
I'm just going to focus on getting myself out of there, I just wanted to know if Managers can treat people unequally, it seems they can.

OP posts:
WhatNoUsername · 05/12/2023 17:27

Could it be that the new starters have a different contract and are paid less than you for overtime? Not OK in my book but might explain it.

busstopbingo · 05/12/2023 16:28

It sucks but I'd start looking for another job. And make it clear when you leave that this is why!

Anisette · 05/12/2023 16:22

Have you asked her why profits concerns mean that you can't do overtime but don't seem to stop the new people from doing it?

Original poster
Sittingontherockofthebay · 05/12/2023 16:18

DaizenShine · 05/12/2023 15:55

They can do it. It's definitely not fair though. Maybe they haven't realised, have you spoken to them about how you typically do overtime and still want to?

Yes I have, to no avail

OP posts:
Original poster
Sittingontherockofthebay · 05/12/2023 16:15

Thank you everyone for responding, I'm taking all your comments on board!
It's shit I suppose, but she's forcing my hand quicker than I would've left if the overtime was still there for me.
And maybe it'll be a blessing in disguise that when I do leave I'll be happier and have a better job where I'm appreciated.

OP posts:
Aprilx · 05/12/2023 16:07

mantyzer · 05/12/2023 15:55

@Sittingontherockofthebay if the manager just does not like you there is nothing you can do unless you are part of a union. I would be looking for another job. Don't tell them and do what is best for you even if it leaves them in the shit.

What has being in a union got to do with this? OP’s employment rights are the same whether she is in a union or not.

OP, I would keep on pestering for the overtime. When the manager said these people were more flexible, I would have replied that I am also flexible if that is the case. You don’t have any right to overtime, hence all you can do is keep asking or find a job that offers the hours you would like.

DaizenShine · 05/12/2023 15:55

They can do it. It's definitely not fair though. Maybe they haven't realised, have you spoken to them about how you typically do overtime and still want to?

mantyzer · 05/12/2023 15:55

@Sittingontherockofthebay if the manager just does not like you there is nothing you can do unless you are part of a union. I would be looking for another job. Don't tell them and do what is best for you even if it leaves them in the shit.

Wishitsnows · 05/12/2023 15:54

Apply for a job elsewhere. You have 6 years experience. Apply for a role as a manager and increase your wages. Won’t hurt to try.

itsmylife7 · 05/12/2023 15:54

Bet it's Argos.

Original poster
Sittingontherockofthebay · 05/12/2023 15:52

LusaBatoosa · 05/12/2023 15:51

Are they more flexible?

Show quote history

No they're not

OP posts:
LusaBatoosa · 05/12/2023 15:51

Sittingontherockofthebay · 05/12/2023 15:44

She says they're more flexible, but one of them has been doing two shifts that I've been taken off

Show quote history

Are they more flexible?

Original poster
Sittingontherockofthebay · 05/12/2023 15:47

mantyzer · 05/12/2023 15:36

Unfortunately unless it is because of a protected characteristic i.e. racism, gender identity, etc then yes they can. It is shit.

I did consider if it was an age thing (I'm in my fifties) but one other person whose in the same age bracket as the new starters (in their thirties) has been stopped from having overtime too. Although I'm wondering if the Manager has stopped the other person so that I can't claim discrimination.

I know she doesn't like the other person she's stopped giving overtime to.

OP posts:
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