A one hour work call for new job - unpaid?

[ChimneySweepLiverpool]

Started a new job. Didn't get to speak through plans/contract as needed due to how busy it was and manager has asked me to do a call next week when I'm off to speak through everything

He said I don't want to disturb your week so we can just do a 30 - 60 minute call. I feel like asking is that paid but he made it seem as though it isn't? I'm on an hourly rate and it'll disturb an afternoon for me

"That doesn't work for me, can we schedule it in for when I'm next in work, thanks".

I would never dream of asking if it's paid! It's to go through the details of your new job...

I started job and have a week off next week as the business is closed. Manager wants to get my ideas for the next project before we start that project the week after (in case I wasn't clear that I have already started but no contract yet)

You can just say you're unavailable at that time and offer a couple of other times which work for you. Or, if it's the right kind of place, finish an hour early on another day.

Do you know how many contractors, service providers and others, will offer a free hour or whatever to get things started?

You risk looking very petty by going all 'hourly' on them. You are acting like you're not about to be paid every hour you work from next week on?

YABU, just have a chat, talk through the ideas, and then make yourself unavailable until next week.

Oh God, please don't ask if it's paid. As a one-off, it's completely fine.

Wow

I would do the phone call personally because if I was ever in need of a bit of flexibility ( life stuff happens), I’d want a working relationship with my employer where that would be accommodated. I think it’s a bit of give and take.

You will most likely need some time off for something. That's not setting a good start

It's not a great look, to dig your heels in over a one hour call during an entire week off, when you're so new. You can't expect them to be flexible when you need it, if you are so quick to demonstrate your rigidity.

A bit of flexibility works positively for both of you I would imagine. Unless the role is very junior (min wage) I think this is a reasonable request from your employer.

I clearly annoyed people whoops!

I was simply surprised at being asked to do a phone meeting on a week off and when working hourly, if you take an hour off it's usually deducted

if you need to leave early one day, then claim the hour back.

If you're not comfortable with working for free then having a job probably isn't for you.

It works both ways, as they aren't deducting time you spend going to the loo, having the odd sick day, not actually working at 100% one day because you're tireder than usual, and so on.

I think it’s a bit petty but you could just say you’re only free for 30 mins

If you’re on the minimum wage then fine. Otherwise I’d be a bit flexible as others have said you may be asking for flexibility yourself later.

Just do the call, show willing and have an hour's goodwill mentally banked for a time you need it paying back.

Why have you started without a contract, btw?

I hear you OP and this is a work related meeting that should be conducted in work time. It's as simple as that

However there is definitely an argument for probably sucking this one up as a one off. So I'd agree it, saying something like ' hmm, I can stretch to 30 mins on such and such day or alternatively we could do it insert times when in work ' and then just do it

If you're reasonably confident this won't become a common occurrence, it's wise to show a little willing

Tell em to get fucked, there's no way you're working for free.

There's absolutely no way I'd be doing this in my annual leave.

However are you on annual leave next week for the full week? As most companies don't let you take more than you've accrued when you just start working for them.

Also as you are hourly paid will you be putting in timesheets etc? If yes I'd be putting in the call as hours worked in that case.

To be clear, I don't get paid for sick days or appointments in my industry as its hourly rates and you're just paid for the hours you clock in

But I take on board the points that it would be unreasonable to ask for that pay

Generally I'd agree with you these calls should be on work time and paid, but as a one off I'd do it. I sounds like the kind of onboarding call you'd usually do before you start and wouldn't expect to be paid for. Absolutely make sure it's set for a time that suits you though.

Cut the guy a bit of slack, think you need to be a bit more flexible this early in a new job. Probably wont do you any harm in the long run unless this turns out to be the norm, just wait and see

To answer some questions, I didn't mean to start without contract. They said they were still writing it

I'm not on annual leave, the business is closed for one weeks staff holidays and I agreed to do a week before that weeks closure so I'm ready for when it reopens

No timesheet, just pay week to week for hours worked