To not want to work 49 hours next week

[Hawaiianpizza29]

We have one staff member on leave next week, there are 3 other staff members and me.
Looking at the rota, I've been given 49 hours to make up for the absence of the staff member on leave, whereas the other staff have only been given 1-2 extra hours, so still in the 30s.

With the nature of the job, it also means 3 nights away from home for me.

I'm relatively new so don't want to make a bad impression, but at the same time if I constantly say yes they will continue to give me those hours.

AIBU to say that it's too many hours? Thanks

There is the option to get bank or agency staff, so it doesn't mean that there will be nobody else if I can't do it.

Have you opted out of maximum working hours?

Im down for 37.5 and max is supposed to be 48 if required, but I wasn't given an opt out option.

Can you email and ask how the extra shifts were allocated? Say you've noticed that you have been given significantly more hours than the other team members and if possible, could they be allocated more evenly when a similar situation comes up in the future?

It IS a lot of hours, but it won't be long before a few posters come along telling you of their 12 hour work days in their high-powered city job, with a 2-hour commute (each way!) And that 49 hours a week is a drop in the ocean.

If you haven't opted out then they can't do it. I would inform them. You can work up to 48 but not over.

I agree with PP who said email and just ask how it's been allocated.

@Newnamefor2021

If you haven't opted out then they can't do it. I would inform them. You can work up to 48 but not over.

I agree with PP who said email and just ask how it's been allocated.

Not correct I'm afraid. The 48 hour limit is an average over a rolling 17 week period. So if you normally work shorter hours and one week are asked to work long hours it is not likely to push your average working hours over the 48.

It will ultimately come down to the terms of your contract and whether they have the right to ask you to work additional hours if the business needs it.

@Newnamefor2021

If you haven't opted out then they can't do it. I would inform them. You can work up to 48 but not over.

I agree with PP who said email and just ask how it's been allocated.

That's not true. That rule is spread over a longer period of time (around a few months I think!). However, it is an EU regulation so dunno if that will/has all changed as the UK was one of the most reluctant to implement it and one of the only EU countries that introduced an 'opt out'

I would look up the rule first and then also go over your contract again to make sure you're 100% clear of your status and rights

I don't think the working time directive has yet changed but know it is over a longer period.

I think you should have a conversation, offer to do some, with some sensitivity as to which ones. Don't make it look as if you are trying to dodge working on a public holiday if you are down for one.

Is it possible the others have already gone over their maximum hours? I would definitely say something if you aren't happy. Ask how they allocate who does what.