Need quick help. Dh being threatened with suspension.

[comeandgo]

Dh works for Royal Mail.

He is, as we speak, being told that if he doesn't do part of another round after he completes his round, then he will be suspended.

Doing this other round will take him past his finish time and he will not be paid any overtime. If he doesn't do then he will suspended for 'wilful delay of mail' according to his line manager and the manager of the mail office.

The union isn't in the office today and no one can get hold of him.

Dh cannot work past his contracted finish time as he has to be home on time, to look after the children so I can get to work on time.

Can they suspend him for not working past his contracted finish time for no extra pay? Can they force him to do this?

What should he do next, bearing in mind he can't speak to the union.

He must be able to get hold of someone from the union? Even if it's not his representative? You say "part" of another round. Can he do some of it, then stop, leaving enough time to finish, get home etc?

I don't imagine he can be suspended for refusing to work past contract hours without pay. But, just for today, until he has advice, maybe he could do as much as he can, to show willing etc? But, overall, it sounds wrong. I'm not an expert unfortunatley, hopefully someone else will be along.

What does his contract say about working hours?

I don't know word for word, but I do know contracted hours stand apart from in exceptional circumstances eg Christmas when he has to work as required

There may be a caveat clause about variation/addition. No-one can really answer your question withought knowing the letter of the contract wrt hours and flexibility.