to think DP is lying about being forced to do 16 hour days?

[harrietflies]

DP leaves for work at 6 am. The week before Christmas his company do some fundraising for charity which is aimed at children (I.e. there's a Santa involved) and DP says he has to do this, it is not optional. This means for the full five working days before Christmas eve he's out from 6 am - 10 pm and I'm left doing nativities, parties, presents, wrapping etc with four DC in tow and he's knackered for Christmas. Aibu to think he just likes the social side of it and can't be forced into working 16 hour days with no financial reward?

Yanbu. I get why he might be expected to chip in a bit, even if it's not strictly a requirement, but this seems a lot. Still it's not impossible he feels like it would be a bad move to say no - is he generally secure in the job?

Yes, very secure. He often works over the festive period too so literally has nothing to do with the kids Christmas. Last year he was ill and spent Christmas day in bed yet was well enough to go to work on boxing day

The Company he works for are breaking the law. The working time directive stipulates that you must have 11 hours between shifts. So unless he has a very long commute, I do suspect they aren't following the rules.

You can opt out of the working time directive so they're not necessarily breaking any laws. If he's agreed to the shifts, they're fine legally speaking (assuming he has adequate breaks).

A lot of companies "force" i.e. strongly encourage employees to take part in out of work events and non-attendance can mean you're looked over when its comes to bonuses, promotions, etc. Is he looking to be promoted, perhaps, and sees this as a good way of getting noticed?

Or do you think he's not going to work and just going to the pub?

Are these charity events aimed at kids, or drink fundraisers for adults? I don't understand why they are going on until 10pm if it's for children

I was "forced" to do 16 hour days for no pay coming up to Christmas in my last job. 6am to 10pm as well as it happens! They can't literally force you but they can pressure you in a way that makes it feel like there's no option.