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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Can retail Manager do this?

37 replies

Sittingontherockofthebay · 05/12/2023 14:59

I work part time in retail, been there over six years and have been doing regular overtime for over a year (doing a specific job), but now a new Manager has come to our store and has taken away all of the overtime, stating that there are no available hours anymore due to a loss in profits.
Ok, I have to accept this, but I've noticed that she's giving regular overtime to atleast 3 new starters.

I find this really unfair, especially as I'm very capable at what I do and have never had any complaints regarding my work.
I am looking for a new job, as I don't feel appreciated now, but whilst I'm looking I could do with extra hours.

AIBU to think that overtime should be shared out equally amongst the staff, or do I suck it up?

OP posts:
ThanksButNoThanksImDoneNow · 05/12/2023 15:10

Is it overtime or are they on 0 hour or low hour contracts?
I know this happens frequently in Tesco, o/time taken off people who may be paid more and given to lower paid hourly workers, or those who wouldn’t trigger time & a half or double time.

Original poster
Sittingontherockofthebay · 05/12/2023 15:11

It's actual overtime and they're on the same wage as me.

OP posts:
Original poster
Sittingontherockofthebay · 05/12/2023 15:14

We all have contracted hours (not zero) and I feel as if there's definite favouritism going on. Trouble is, I'm unsure if the Manager is within her rights to do this,

OP posts:
KrisAkabusi · 05/12/2023 15:14

Have you spoken to the manager and said that you're available for overtime?

Arightoldcarryabag · 05/12/2023 15:14

They can do it yes, overtime isn't guaranteed in your contract I'd assume so you're stuck.
Sounds like they've taken a dislike to you, in my experience this is because you are quite skilled and therefore perceived as a threat to the new managers position.
You've got 6 years retail experience including the additional tasks. Go get yourself a much better paid job, with duties more suited to someone of your experience and ability. Leave that loser behind.

Original poster
Sittingontherockofthebay · 05/12/2023 15:16

KrisAkabusi · 05/12/2023 15:14

Have you spoken to the manager and said that you're available for overtime?

Yes I've spoken to her, but she just goes on about profits.

OP posts:
Original poster
Sittingontherockofthebay · 05/12/2023 15:19

Arightoldcarryabag · 05/12/2023 15:14

They can do it yes, overtime isn't guaranteed in your contract I'd assume so you're stuck.
Sounds like they've taken a dislike to you, in my experience this is because you are quite skilled and therefore perceived as a threat to the new managers position.
You've got 6 years retail experience including the additional tasks. Go get yourself a much better paid job, with duties more suited to someone of your experience and ability. Leave that loser behind.

I'm definitely going to try and leave asap, I'm just annoyed that a new Manager can just come in and do this.

OP posts:
ComtesseDeSpair · 05/12/2023 15:19

There’s no requirement for overtime to be shared equally among employees, as it’s voluntary not contracted. It’s often better for business harmony if it is, but equally the manager may have decided (or received feedback) that some colleagues work better than others in some combinations and use that as their basis for allocating overtime.

Arightoldcarryabag · 05/12/2023 15:26

Don't be shy in looking for additional work if your contract allows.
Especially over Christmas, while you look for work, there should be plenty of opportunities to make some money putting a few shifts in elsewhere.
And who knows, if you do that in retail, you may end up being kept on!

mantyzer · 05/12/2023 15:36

Unfortunately unless it is because of a protected characteristic i.e. racism, gender identity, etc then yes they can. It is shit.

WhateverMate · 05/12/2023 15:40

Sittingontherockofthebay · 05/12/2023 15:16

Yes I've spoken to her, but she just goes on about profits.

Show quote history

And when you mention that they're still giving overtime to others, what is the response?

Original poster
Sittingontherockofthebay · 05/12/2023 15:44

WhateverMate · 05/12/2023 15:40

And when you mention that they're still giving overtime to others, what is the response?

Show quote history

She says they're more flexible, but one of them has been doing two shifts that I've been taken off

OP posts:
Original poster
Sittingontherockofthebay · 05/12/2023 15:47

mantyzer · 05/12/2023 15:36

Unfortunately unless it is because of a protected characteristic i.e. racism, gender identity, etc then yes they can. It is shit.

I did consider if it was an age thing (I'm in my fifties) but one other person whose in the same age bracket as the new starters (in their thirties) has been stopped from having overtime too. Although I'm wondering if the Manager has stopped the other person so that I can't claim discrimination.

I know she doesn't like the other person she's stopped giving overtime to.

OP posts:
LusaBatoosa · 05/12/2023 15:51

Sittingontherockofthebay · 05/12/2023 15:44

She says they're more flexible, but one of them has been doing two shifts that I've been taken off

Show quote history

Are they more flexible?

Original poster
Sittingontherockofthebay · 05/12/2023 15:52

LusaBatoosa · 05/12/2023 15:51

Are they more flexible?

Show quote history

No they're not

OP posts:
itsmylife7 · 05/12/2023 15:54

Bet it's Argos.

Wishitsnows · 05/12/2023 15:54

Apply for a job elsewhere. You have 6 years experience. Apply for a role as a manager and increase your wages. Won’t hurt to try.

mantyzer · 05/12/2023 15:55

@Sittingontherockofthebay if the manager just does not like you there is nothing you can do unless you are part of a union. I would be looking for another job. Don't tell them and do what is best for you even if it leaves them in the shit.

DaizenShine · 05/12/2023 15:55

They can do it. It's definitely not fair though. Maybe they haven't realised, have you spoken to them about how you typically do overtime and still want to?

Aprilx · 05/12/2023 16:07

mantyzer · 05/12/2023 15:55

@Sittingontherockofthebay if the manager just does not like you there is nothing you can do unless you are part of a union. I would be looking for another job. Don't tell them and do what is best for you even if it leaves them in the shit.

What has being in a union got to do with this? OP’s employment rights are the same whether she is in a union or not.

OP, I would keep on pestering for the overtime. When the manager said these people were more flexible, I would have replied that I am also flexible if that is the case. You don’t have any right to overtime, hence all you can do is keep asking or find a job that offers the hours you would like.

Original poster
Sittingontherockofthebay · 05/12/2023 16:15

Thank you everyone for responding, I'm taking all your comments on board!
It's shit I suppose, but she's forcing my hand quicker than I would've left if the overtime was still there for me.
And maybe it'll be a blessing in disguise that when I do leave I'll be happier and have a better job where I'm appreciated.

OP posts:
Original poster
Sittingontherockofthebay · 05/12/2023 16:18

DaizenShine · 05/12/2023 15:55

They can do it. It's definitely not fair though. Maybe they haven't realised, have you spoken to them about how you typically do overtime and still want to?

Yes I have, to no avail

OP posts:
Anisette · 05/12/2023 16:22

Have you asked her why profits concerns mean that you can't do overtime but don't seem to stop the new people from doing it?

busstopbingo · 05/12/2023 16:28

It sucks but I'd start looking for another job. And make it clear when you leave that this is why!

WhatNoUsername · 05/12/2023 17:27

Could it be that the new starters have a different contract and are paid less than you for overtime? Not OK in my book but might explain it.