Can weekend working be forced upon us?

[blondieminx]

At the team meeting today our boss said that unless more people volunteered to work weekends, he'd "discuss with HR what more formal steps" could be taken. He went on to add that people who did volunteer would be given extra credit at appraisal time, the clear implication being that those who don't will be penalised.

I've worked for this company for over a decade (last few years part-time since I had DD).

I'm employed 3 days a week with the option of overtime on a voluntary basis. Can I be forced to work weekends?

thanks in advance ladies

Well, not immediately, or easily, and technically you have to give your consent to changes in your terms and conditions.

But ultimately if there is a good business reason why they need weekend cover there are formal steps they can take. They would need to consult with staff, explaining what is needed and why, and allowing staff to ask questions and give feedback. They may opt to offer incentives. Ultimately if after consultation not enough people agree to do it and their business need is not being met, they have the option of terminating employment and reinstating on the new terms.

Technically a dismissal like that may be unfair, but if there is a good business reason for doing it, and there is no financial loss incurred by staff as a result, it would be virtually pointless bringing a claim.

So possibly, is the answer really! The best bet for staff is to come up with other ways this business need can be met, rather than just flatly refusing, tbh.

Oh, and some workers can opt out of Sunday working here if that's relevant.

Thanks flowery