Unpaid Work

[laughoutquiet]

I work in a fairly high, autonomous managerial role. It's office and operationally based. I was furloughed in April and took back three days a week in August. I normally work full time.

Because of my role I'm actually working five days a week. I find it impossible to do less due to meetings, calls, customer and staff contact. I know this is not right. My job has always been stressful (which is ok) but now I feel like it's affecting my MH.

I have spoken to my line manager but am told that it won't change. I thought it may in November but now I'm worried about the new scheme coming in to force. I've also been told I should be grateful to have a job!

I am fully aware that this is all wrong but also the pressure to work isn't verbalised or written. It's just what we do in this industry because you can't turn off. I don't want to be next on the redundancy list but I find it very difficult to not be angry which isn't helping my MH.

I'm not really sure what my AIBU is . I am looking for a new job as I feel the HR management has been horrendous over the last 8 months. I guess, should I kick up a fuss now and risk everything I've worked hard for? Or ride it out til I get something new ( v difficult in this industry)?

Sorry when I said "won't change" I'm talking last few months. Nothing confirmed for November.

Do you are only being paid for three days a week?

If I understand correctly, you are being paid for 3 days a week but are working 5. Are you working 5 full time days, and if so is there any way you can cut it down so it works out as 3 days worth of work split across the 5 days so you can attend meetings etc but not work for free?

You need to speak to them again, and be strict and firm about sticking to what you're paid for, or getting paid for a full time job. If they won't budge is there a union or an organisation you can contact for help? Maybe citizens advice?

Make a formal complaint if this isn’t dealt with/raise a grievance.

Yes paid for three, furloughed two.

I know all the right/ correct answers to manage this but in the real world (sorry that sounds rubbish) what do you do? I feel like I have no options.

You let them know formally that, since they have furloughed you for two of your five working days, you will now only be in a position to complete 3/5 of your previous workload and will not be available for work on the other two days. And if they keep taking the piss, report them to the scheme.

Sounds like they are taking the piss. Claiming furlough on 2/5 but receiving the same amount of work from you. Do they at least make the cash up to 100%?

OP I have worked in numerous environments like this.

Do you have set days you are now supposed to work? (Mon-We’d-Fri for example), if so, make yourself unavailable on the non working days.
Put a note on your email sign off/automatic response saying something along the lines of ‘please note my role has reduced to part time hours, I will only be available on X days’

If you don’t have set days and they shaft you with the ‘we expect you to manage splitting your hours over the week’ then start a spread sheet and keep track of your daily hours. Also start being resistant to meetings/ deadlines and KEEP repeating over and over in every written form of communication that you ONLY WORK 3 DAYS

‘Sorry I can’t make it to a meeting on that day as I only work 3 days now’
‘I won’t be able to meet the client until next week because I’ve had my hours reduced’

Trust me when I say there is no industry so challenging you can’t do this if your ballsy enough.
They are trying to get 5 days of work for 3 days worth of wages and they are forcing you into an awkward position by making you feel awkward and obligated.

IF/when they come at you with a ‘your performance is really slipping, we aren’t happy, you aren’t full filling the role’ make sure to snap straight back with... ‘As I tried to discuss with you previously, you have reduced my hours significantly but not my workload. There is therefor an expectation that I work the extra hours for free. I have kept a detailed log of my hours worked and these reflect my salaried role. If you require a full time employee I suggest you consider a reinstatement of my full time contract. As it is both unlawful and immoral to dismiss and/or discipline an employee for simply working their contracted hours I assume there will be no further action taken on this matter.’

Do not be afraid to threaten an employment tribunal

Also dependent on wage their requiring you to work 2 days unpaid (even if not in writing) may mean they’re actually paying you less than minimum wage; which would trigger a full investigation from HMRC

Sorry cross post didn’t realise you were being furloughed the other 2 days. Report them!

I understand what you mean about not being able to manage it in real life.

My hours are 8-4. I have mandatory 4pm meetings (that go on for an hour to an hour and a half) four out of 5 days.

But apparently I'm paid more than enough to do unpaid overtime and I'm lucky to have a job.

Fan-fucking-tastic

You asked what to people do?

If it’s high end/salary and you don’t want to be made redundant you suck it up. It’s rubbish but that’s an honest answer

@Hermionegraingerrules yep I do feel like that... like you know you shouldn't but you just get on with it.

Create a paper trail. Email management to let them know that as you cannot complete your job in the three days you would like to come off furlough!

@sapnupuas (great name) just shitty isn't it?!

@Pumpertrumper very sound advice that I need drumming into me!

@LizzieMacQueen of course not!

Sounds like furlough fraud to me. Look up whistleblowing if you are being treated less favourably...