To think they shouldn't keep asking me

[Sweepthecat]

I have a zero hours contract and just lately we have a lot of staff and not enough hours to go round.

This is my second job so my hours are part-time and I mainly do weekends.

The thing is, some of my colleagues keep messaging me asking if they can do my shifts to get their hours up and it's putting me in an awkward position to have to keep saying no. AIBU to think they shouldn't be asking?

I don't think there's anything wrong with them asking, but there's nothing wrong with you saying no either.

Ask them back. They'll probably get the message that you can't afford to lose hours. Or maybe tell them that they have to assume that you can't lose your shifts unless you specifically contact them to tell them you can't do one.

Could you have a talk to them and let them know you understand that they are anxious about getting their hours up, but if you ever can't do them you will let them know?

That might work mermaid. It just puts me on the spot a bit and I feel embarrassed and anxious, especially when more than one person asks.