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Original poster

Asked to work some weekends for a few months and I don't want to do it

27 replies

Wishfulthinkingmaybe1 · 07/09/2023 12:22

I work as a contractor so am not a direct employee as such. It's always been week-day work. The company however has secured a contract now for 4-6 months that involves weekend work and has requested everybody to 'chip in'. I just don't want to do it. I've no children so no ties as such but I've hobbies and things I like to do at weekends and I don't need the extra money. There was no discussions about this beforehand, we were just told they'd been awarded the contract.

I know if everyone says no there would be no one to do it - and I don't know how everyone else feels as we all work from home - so I'm thinking of politely declining. Is this reasonable?

OP posts:
Original poster
Wishfulthinkingmaybe1 · 07/09/2023 12:24

It wouldn't be every weekend but any weekend it is I'd still have a full week's work - it wouldn't be in lieu

OP posts:
Scarydinosaurs · 07/09/2023 12:25

What does your contract say?

cushioncovers · 07/09/2023 12:26

Agree it depends what your contract says.

AliceOlive · 07/09/2023 12:27

So you would have seven days of work? I would just say you have commitments that cannot be rearranged.

user1477249785 · 07/09/2023 12:28

If you have flex, I'd try and negotiate that you'll do it but only in lieu of two weekdays and you charge a higher rate at weekends. Assuming you're not contractually obliged, I'd want them to convince me it was worth my while to give up my weekends.

TeeBee · 07/09/2023 12:28

I'm a contractor too and usually try to avoid weekend working. However, in order to make myself as valuable as possible, I work the odd weekend if needed. I'd be inclined to pick one of two days I could do comfortably and say these are the only free dates I have in that period if they can use them. At least you'll get paid for them.

cushioncovers · 07/09/2023 12:28

Do you pay for your hobbies? would you end up loosing money if you can't participate in these activities?

Original poster
Wishfulthinkingmaybe1 · 07/09/2023 12:28

I'm not contractually obliged

OP posts:
TeeBee · 07/09/2023 12:29

But I'd also quote my weekend/rush rate so they can take that onto consideration.

Original poster
Wishfulthinkingmaybe1 · 07/09/2023 12:30

It might sound selfish but I value my weekends and don't want to give them up, even for a few months.

OP posts:
HakunaMatiłda · 07/09/2023 12:30

Wishfulthinkingmaybe1 · 07/09/2023 12:30

It might sound selfish but I value my weekends and don't want to give them up, even for a few months.

How much do you value your weekends? Would double pay make it worth while?

cushioncovers · 07/09/2023 12:31

So if you're not obligated to in your contract then you can politely decline. How often are they suggesting that you would have to work op?

Original poster
Wishfulthinkingmaybe1 · 07/09/2023 12:32

That's the other thing, same rates as weekdays, no discussion beforehand with contractors

OP posts:
cushioncovers · 07/09/2023 12:33

Yeah double pay and time off in lieu would definitely get my attention.

Original poster
Wishfulthinkingmaybe1 · 07/09/2023 12:33

cushioncovers · 07/09/2023 12:31

So if you're not obligated to in your contract then you can politely decline. How often are they suggesting that you would have to work op?

That's not clarified yet

OP posts:
cushioncovers · 07/09/2023 12:35

Wishfulthinkingmaybe1 · 07/09/2023 12:32

That's the other thing, same rates as weekdays, no discussion beforehand with contractors

Oh in that case decline politely and don't get talked into it. That's a bloody cheek springing it on their team and then saying flat rate pay, no time off in lieu and it's not even in your contract. They shouldn't have bid for a contract without first checking their staff could do the work required.

user1477249785 · 07/09/2023 12:35

Wishfulthinkingmaybe1 · 07/09/2023 12:32

That's the other thing, same rates as weekdays, no discussion beforehand with contractors

But they may need to adjust that to incentivise people to work. Decide what (if anything) would make it worthwhile giving up your weekend and then offer to do it in those terms. They can take it or leave it.

MadamWhiteleigh · 07/09/2023 12:35

It sounds like you’re within your rights to say no so the only issue really is whether it will negatively affect how they see you and whether they renew your contract or whatever (and how much you care about that).

cushioncovers · 07/09/2023 12:36

MadamWhiteleigh · 07/09/2023 12:35

It sounds like you’re within your rights to say no so the only issue really is whether it will negatively affect how they see you and whether they renew your contract or whatever (and how much you care about that).

Edited

Yeah there is that.

Deathbyfluffy · 07/09/2023 12:37

If it's not in your contract, say no - but don't be surprised if they choose not to renew your contract over others who were more flexible.
It depends how much you like the job really!

ActDottie · 07/09/2023 12:41

Given you’re a contractor can you say you will but your day rate at weekends is a lot higher? Although I get that you wanting your weekends off is t financially motivated. Tbh I think it’s fine to say no.

We had this at our work recently where contractors and permanent staff were asked to work weekends. Some did some didn’t. But there was financial reward for those who did.

TragicMuse · 07/09/2023 12:42

How does this grab you?

Dear people

I note your recent email regarding weekend work.

As I am sure you already know, I am an independent contractor and as far as I can see there is not any provision in my current contract which covers this amendment to my terms and conditions.

So that you can budget accordingly, my weekend rates are £x per hour, OR usual rate with time off in lieu in the following standard working week (Monday to Friday).

If you wish to accept these terms please let me know and furnish me with a new contract that includes these clauses.

In the absence of a renegotiated contract I shall continue my current pattern of working standard working hours Monday to Friday and will not be available at weekends.

If you choose not to accept this pleas be aware that I will not be available for weekend cover either as part of planned scheduling or on an ad hoc or emergency basis.

Yours etc

Original poster
Wishfulthinkingmaybe1 · 07/09/2023 15:16

"I shall continue my current pattern of working standard working hours Monday to Friday and will not be available at weekends."

Thanks... this is all I'm going to say.

OP posts:
LlynTegid · 07/09/2023 15:27

I think you have formulated the right answer. Don't get into a discussion about what your reasons are.

Though imagine my response if ever you complain about shops not being open long enough on a Sunday.

BarbaraofSeville · 07/09/2023 15:27

They took on more work without thinking about staffing it, that's their problem.

Likely some of the others will be happy for the overtime, with CoL and the run up to Christmas and all that.

Expecting to pay the same rate for extra/antisocial hours isn't on though, but they're probably on shaky ground anyway by having you all as contractors rather than employees, unless you get paid a lot extra to compensate for the lack of employment rights.