Employment

[Doormirror]

I started my job 10 years ago.

About 5 years ago, I was asked to do a task that takes about 6 hours a week. It is different to my main job, and involves a mentoring scheme for diversity entrants to the field.

This is a prestigious project for the company, and due to the hard work and dedication of the 4 team members (including me), the project is now a regular programme that we offer.

I have been told that I have to continue with this work, but won't be paid for it, I.e. I have to work my full hours (35h) doing my "normal" job and the mentoring hours are on top. But I am only paid for 35h (no pay rise).

Is this a change to my T&Cs? After 5 years of being paid to do the mentoring? The company is very keen for the programme to continue, they just want it for free.

Can I object? Can I refuse to do the unpaid work? I actually want to do the mentoring.

ACAS would be a good starting point..

I take it you haven’t got anywhere having a conversation with management about this?

Is everyone else also being asked to do it voluntarily? Perhaps worth trying to band together and speak to management to say that’s not going to work and 6 hours a week is too much of an ask to start doing on top of your normal hours.

You can point out it’s almost a full days work that’s they are asking you to do on top of your regular hours for free. Whilst you love mentoring and have been a big part of driving it forward etc you aren’t able to commit that much time to it unpaid.

Yes, there are 2 others. But they are afraid of management and don't want to make a fuss.

If the mentoring can't be done within your 35 hours paid, then no you don't have to do it. Don't work for free.