To think this isn't right..?

[pinkpowerranger88]

I've started a job which includes a few on call weekends year. We have to wait by the phone in case we are called out, meaning it limits our day and where we can go/what we can do.

We're not paid a penny for being on call, so if we don't get called out it means we restrict our weekend, for nothing. If we are called out, we're paid £20. This for me would include an hours travel, so if I was at work for an hour (which it would likely be more) it would be £20 for 2+ hours out of my weekend.

AIBU to think this isn't right?? I seem to be the only one who thinks its shocking.

No, that doesn't sound right at all because it puts you under minimum wage. Do you work for a big organisation?

No its privately owned by the boss.

I think it depends on whether it's a salaried role, with a clear expectation that this is included.

I've done on-call where there was a decent hourly rate for just being oncall, and overtime if called out. In that case it was a choice to be added to the rota or not.

But I've also done a more casual arrangement for "free", e.g. Everyone wants holidays at the same time, and the only way that can happen is if we each cover a few days in case of emergencies.

@WickerMam I'm paid hourly if that helps during a normal week, with a contract of 16 hours a week that I do every week. The contract just stated 'you will be required to be on call for 2-3 weekends a year' I didn't realise until I started that you only get paid if you actually get called and then it is just £20. So for example I couldn't go more than 20 mins or so away, as I could get a text at 10am saying I need to be there for 11am or something.

It wouldn't work for me.

I suppose if everyone else is happy with it then they've decided that the overall package works for them.

If the overall package doesn't work for you then look for something else. Or raise it with the boss.

@NuffSaidSam Everyone else has said the same thing, that its a joke we're expected to restrict our weekends for the posibility of no pay. But nothing gets done. Theres a practice on the same on call rota up the road and they get £30 whether they are called out or not. People have raised it and its fallen on deaf ears. It can also include bank holidays and christmas day for again the same rate of pay. I don't know a thing about employment law so didn't know if it was right or not.

I think it is quite normal, though really you should be paid "£20 or hourly rate whichever is greater" if you are called out.

It's only a few a year, you just have to plan them in your diary.

This is what ACAS says, they should be paying for the hours you actually work though. I presume you have a mobile though so you don't literally have to sit on your settee at home. Travelling time is a bit grey area I'd think.

https://www.acas.org.uk/working-time-rules/employees-who-are-on-call-or-sleep-in

Are you a vet nurse by any chance? This seems so common, and so infair! £20 to basically give up a weekend! Awful!

Travel from home to place of working isn't included in working hours, so it would be £20 for an hours work.

IANAL but it seems it is potentially an issue if you are paid NMW, otherwise it could be classed as being part of your contract and therefore salary. This is what Indeed says, but it may be worth ringing ACAS (or your union if applicable)

https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/on-call-pay

@ChildofSunday Yes!!! Thanks all for the help. I think it is a bit of a grey area but I just think every £10 as a 'thanks for being on call' would be a nice gesture!

Can you all band together and agree that you won't do it unless they agree to pay regardless of if you get called out or not? So strike?