Expected to work past contracted hours on a bank holiday

[LittleLadyCece]

I work Mon- Fri 9am until 2.30pm (so I can collect kids after school). For the past 2 bank holidays there's always been 2 people in the office covering phones etc. I'm more than happy to help out if needed by working extra hours if childcare/husband's shift allows it and have done many times in the past.

Today, after being off last week for a short caravan holiday in the UK, was my first day back and happened to be bank holiday. Turned up and realised through checking the diary it was just me as my other colleague had booked a holiday. We are a small team of 3 (2 negotiators and a branch manager) now bearing in mind I'm only supposed to work until 2.30pm on the bank holiday the office official closes at 4pm.

I hadn't arranged childcare as the plan was my husband was meeting me at 2.30pm so he could then get to work himself for 3pm and me take the kids onwards to my parents who are having them so the week so both me and husband can work. My parents were not going to he home until after 3pm hence why I needed to take them.

I texted my boss once I got in and realised it would just be me to say if needed until 4pm I'd have no choice but to have the kids in work for an hour and a half. I got told obviously as I had no choice to do this it was fine but as long as they didn't distract me from my work?! She did say our regional manager had been in last week so she had forgot to message but it only takes a quick text does it not??

AIBU here to have a chat with my boss tomorrow about how unhappy I was just to be expected to do the extra hours? It really wound me up that I was expected to do the hours and no form of apologies I should have asked/given notice etc. Bear in mind she has a young child herself so knows what it can be like with short notice childcare.

Honestly, I wouldnt have told then I could have the kids at work. I'd have told them I couldn't work past my normal finishing time at this notice, as I had no childcare. Therefore I would be shutting the office at 2.30.

I actually really wanted to do this and regret not doing that now.

Next time, finish at your normal time and go home. It’s not your job to manage the annual leave rota and make amends for somebody else getting it wrong.

Was this a one off? If it was, then to be honest it sounds like an accidental mix up. I'd just gently remind them that you don't work past 2.30 and can't without prior agreement

It’s difficult enough juggling work and childcare without this happening. You have my sympathies and yes, I would have a friendly chat with them to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

Are you an estate agent @LittleLadyCece ? I used to work as one many years ago. My experience working for a large corporate was that they will take the piss wherever they can. It's done now but in future tell them you finish at 2:30 so they either bring in cover or you close the office.

@proudwomansexmatters yes I am and seems like they haven't changed them! Thanks all will have a little chat this morning

In your shoes, having stayed on, I would spin it - ‘Oh dear, someone made a mistake as I am only supposed to/paid to work until 2.30. Don’t worry though, I’m a hero and I saved the day and stayed on but without childcare had to have the children with me in the office’.

Next time, leave as planned.

I would have told them that you were finishing as normal at 2.30 and if no one was coming in then you’d have to shut the office then; their disorganisation is not your problem

Yes I'd have a word with your manager and nip this in the bud in case it becomes a regular thing. Next time just say you won't be staying after your contracted hours.

Have the conversation so the same 'mistake' is not made for the bank holiday in August.

My first thought was why be open on a bank holiday at all? Not that it is my call.

Op they are being very unfair definitely speak to them