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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

If you’re part time you should work on days off

222 replies

Parttimeprisoner · 18/12/2018 17:47

Having a slight disagreement with my boss today and wondered what other people thought.

I work PT (20 hours a week) my boss said today ‘when you work PArt time you’re expected to do work from home when you’re not in the office’

I disagree, I’m not paid for more than my hours. I have 3 children, on my days off I don’t have time to work! I get my work done on my days there. Anything that pops up can wait imo. I’m not paid incredibly generously either - just over minimum wage.

I don’t get sick pay or holiday pay (whole other story!) and thought it was bloody cheeky that he’d suggest I should be working on my days off. He said it would be expected at any other company and is the norm.

Opinions?

OP posts:
Amallamard · 18/12/2018 21:31

I'd be looking for a new job!

Angie169 · 18/12/2018 21:36

If you work in any sector that meant you did a physical job , ie cleaner bin man , milk man , builder, dentist etc would he still expect you to work from home ? nope ? then tell him what he can do with his Hairy Hilocky idea !
You are entitled to holidays NO question , from some very quick working out I think its about 6 or 7 days per year but as pp said check Gov.com for the right details .

Another thing that would concern me is if you reply to a email / phone call while you are at home and your boss does not agree with your thoughts/ decision, particularly if it directly involves a client / customer , he could over ride it saying that you were not at work so are not able / allowed to make that choice / call / decision IYSWIM.

Original poster
Parttimeprisoner · 18/12/2018 21:45

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the advise but it wouldn’t be worth raising the holiday pay; it would be a ‘here’s the door’ situation and jobs that fit around school hours are like gold dust and I can’t afford the childcare to not, I have been looking for new work.
I just wondered what the norm was on PT, I’ve only ever worked FT before this job and was shocked if that was expected!

OP posts:
MutedUser · 18/12/2018 23:14

You shouldn’t let them treat you like that can you put a complaint in anon to investigate them?

user1474894224 · 18/12/2018 23:32

It is most definitely illegal. It's not doing you any favours - he needs to work within the law. I don't know what outdated excuse he is using to not pay holiday pay but you are definitely entitled - www.brighthr.com/articles/contracts/agency-worker-rights/zero-hours-contract-holiday-pay
www.gov.uk/holiday-entitlement-rights/holiday-pay-the-basics

You have an implied contract with him - he can't use this as an excuse not to pay you properly. www.gov.uk/employment-contracts-and-conditions

Sorry but you need to sort this out. Just talk to him - point out you're entitled to paid holiday the same as everyone else. And yes - if necessary leave and get something else.

If you are forced to leave or he dismisses you talk to acas. www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=4028

Puzzledandpissedoff · 18/12/2018 23:38

it’s a ‘don’t like it well there’s the door’ sort of situation

Yes, I thought that would be the case Hmm What a pity for him that the law applies to him too, especially as you've been there over 2 years ..,

GabsAlot · 19/12/2018 00:00

well thats clased as unfair dimissassl then based on the fact u want lawful holiday pay

DarlingNikita · 19/12/2018 17:24

He's talking out of his arse and I agree that if you pursued it through legal channels, he may well find himself up against a charge of unfair dismissal. Find a solicitor and take legal advice; you might be surprised at what they tell you.

I always reply to emails And stop doing this. You work when you work.
You're off when you're off. End.

Pashal2 · 19/12/2018 17:28

You would get Paid I Those days off that you worked from home, correct?

TigerTooth · 19/12/2018 17:29

Of course not because then you may as well work full time and get paid!
When I worked part time I never did anything outside of hours.
Absolute nonsense from your CF dimwit boss.

Sarahrellyboo1987 · 19/12/2018 17:34

Nope, ha unreasonable I would report it to HR or speak to my union about it

Turquoise123 · 19/12/2018 17:50

Sounds odd - no holiday pay or sick pay ? Do you have a proper contract ?

I work part time and work lots of extra hours - even when away on hols BUT it's that sort of role and I am very well looked after.

It's about balance isn't it ?

DeepanKrispanEven · 19/12/2018 17:50

Absolute nonsense, of course. If you refuse to work when you are at home, isn't he likely to resort to the "Here's the door" tactic anyway? At this point, if he sacks you for insisting on your legal rights he will have to pay damages. Get legal advice ASAP,.

DarlingNikita · 19/12/2018 17:51

I would report it to HR

Do you have a proper contract

The OP has addressed both of these points already.

deedeegee · 19/12/2018 17:55

Two things:

  1. As a part timer you are legally entitled to annual leave and holiday pay
  2. If you work part time hours you work whilst you’re at work not whilst you’re at home!
BeatriceBee · 19/12/2018 18:03

He is being totally unreasonable. If he wants you to work on your days off, then you should record that time and be paid for it. I used to work 28 hours at the City Council and was never expected or even allowed to work outside my designated hours.

MirandaGoshawk · 19/12/2018 18:13

Working for councils and suchlike is different from working for a private employer who expects blood. I used to work in a shop, which closed at 5pm. I was paid until 5pm. But I had to cash up afterwards and that took at least 20 mins. So that's an hour and forty mins at least, each week, that they didn't pay for. As you say, if I'd complained I would've been shown the door. The thing is that unions have fought for people's rights, and there are laws. They should be respected. I'm not sure what the answer is.

flowergrrl77 · 19/12/2018 18:15

I work 11 hours a week! If I work 15 mins extra, I claim overtime!

I have been asked to work on a non working day in the new year, for essential training. I have been promised an alternative day off as recompense. (Although I’ll suggest paying me overtime as they’re quite short staffed and I doubt they can lose a body on another day)

So yea, completely CF boss!

mumsastudent · 19/12/2018 18:16

www.gov.uk/browse/working/tax-minimum-wage no company is exempt if he sacks you or doesn't pay you holidays or he expects you to work unpaid he needs to be reported -please read what it says on this link - its illegal & the inland revenue will go after him & prosecute - what ever the conditions whatever your situation you need to do something about this for your own sake & if you don't do it now please do it when you have anew job - get your boss to send his remark by email you will have proof - you should be paid a percentage of holidays paid even if you have unpaid days off (school do this with some of their staff)

pollymere · 19/12/2018 18:17

Say your happy to work from home and could adjust your hours accordingly. I.e. You work 20 hours, 15 in the office, five from home...

Or laugh hysterically, and touch his arm,telling him he's such a joker (personal favourite)

Or. He means you should check your emails on your days off so you're up to speed when you're in. So if you work three days, you should take 15 minutes on the other two to keep a toe in. This isn't a huge request. You could also take it off the other days, or consider whether you spend ten minutes at work having breaks anyway...

libra101 · 19/12/2018 18:17

You are also legally entitled to holiday pay and sick pay.

veggiepigsinpastryblankets · 19/12/2018 18:28

If you do it to keep the peace, keep a detailed record of all the time you spend working on your days off (with evidence if you can) and then shop him to HMRC once you've left, if it would take you under minimum wage for the hours actually worked. He could end up having to pay it back and I think (hope!) they're still naming and shaming employers who do this too.

Working more than your contracted hours is fine if you're getting paid a good wage and if you get a bit of flexibility in return. I do it (though am full time anyway) but only because they make it worth my while.

BabySharkDooDooDooDoo · 19/12/2018 18:29

Hes talking crap, your paid for the hours you are in work

DarlingNikita · 19/12/2018 18:29

So if you work three days, you should take 15 minutes on the other two to keep a toe in. This isn't a huge request.
Bollocks to that. Work shouldn't impinge on non-work days, even if it's 'only' for 15 minutes. Work creep is easily started and very difficult to reverse.

LakieLady · 19/12/2018 18:36

Not having a contract of employment is illegal too! It doesn't actually need to be in writing, oddly, but you should have a written statement setting out the main points.