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Original poster

My new 30 hour a week job,is more than 24 hours! Help!

52 replies

firefirefire · 07/01/2019 19:54

My new job is supposed to be 30 hours a week.

However, I completed by first week last week and it's more than 30 hours. I have to work through my lunch time as can't leave my area unattended, but my contract has me down as 30 mins unpaid each day for a lunch hour. In addition to this, I have been told there are several meetings each week that I need to attend as they are compulsory. But these fall outside of my hours and mean I need to be at work early or stay late. Due to the nature of my role, there is no way of having this time back as TOIL.

Due to childcare, I left on the time it said on my contract today but it was obviously very frowned upon and I felt like I was sciving.

It seems they want to pay and employ me for 30 hours, but it's actually full time.

I am worried to go to HR as I don't want to be a trouble maker . I have 5 children, so working as if I don't is not possible!

OP posts:
Original poster
firefirefire · 07/01/2019 19:55

Sorry - the title is meant to say 'my new 30 hour a week job is more like 34 hours'

OP posts:
LIZS · 07/01/2019 19:59

If you are working more than 6 hours a day you are legally entitled to a break, paid or unpaid. Arranging cover is not your problem.

AWishForWingsThatWork · 07/01/2019 20:04

Agree with the above poster. YOu are entitled to your breaks, and they can't expect you to attend regular meetings outside of your working hours without your agreement and without pay/hours in lieu.

Just say you won't be there, as that's your time and you have children to look after. Happy to be filled in on what you missed. Go to HR.

Original poster
firefirefire · 07/01/2019 20:10

I don't want to cause a storm with going to HR though. I think I should send an email but how should I word it?

OP posts:
2cats2many · 07/01/2019 20:26

Don't go to HR until you've spoken to your line manager. See what he/she has to say about a break and accruing TOIL.

Original poster
firefirefire · 07/01/2019 20:42

Ok will speak to line manager tomorrow.

The trouble is, I don't want to accrue TOIL on a weekly basis, I want to work the hours I am contracted to work. I obviously don't mind the odd time

OP posts:
Original poster
firefirefire · 07/01/2019 20:42

The HR department is just one lady and she deals with all recruitment.

OP posts:
TulipsInbloom1 · 07/01/2019 20:44

Are they expecting you to flex your hours? So say you do five 6h days and there is a meeting at2pm for two hours they expect your 6 hours to overlap the meeting?

Or do you have specified set days, start and end time?

Original poster
firefirefire · 07/01/2019 20:52

Specified days, start to end. (8.30am til 3pm) but I don't get the 30 mins lunch

OP posts:
TulipsInbloom1 · 07/01/2019 20:56

Why don't you get lunch?

Original poster
firefirefire · 07/01/2019 20:58

Because the area I work in has to be covered over lunch! And it's only me that does that job!

OP posts:
TulipsInbloom1 · 07/01/2019 21:02

No need for the ! It was only a question. Are they expecting you to arrange cover for lunch, or call a supervisor to ask for cover when you are ready for the break?

namechangedtoday15 · 07/01/2019 21:06

Is this a new role? Can you ask what the person who did your role before did?

Original poster
firefirefire · 07/01/2019 21:30

Genuinely the ! wasn't to be rude. So sorry if it came across that way. It was meant to show how odd I find this situation.

The person before me apparently worked full time but was only paid for 30 hours. She also left from stress .

OP posts:
Mixedupmummy · 07/01/2019 22:08

I think you need to be calm, clear, polite but resolved that you have been contracted for certain hours and you are only willing to work those hours and that you will take the break to which you are entitled and won't be paid for.
I wouldn't make an issue of it. just work those hours. leave on time. ask how your break will be facilitated/when you can take it. don't ask if you can. adopt an aura of complete ignorance to the issue. if approached "I can't stay for that meeting I'm afraid. it's outside my contracted hours and I have to pick up my dc." leave. don't feel bad or explain or excuse yourself further. repeat if necessary. they can't force you to stay or work more than contracted. they've simply bullied people into it previously and expect to do the same with you. don't let them. they cannot disapline you for this. you are simply adhearding to the terms of your employment contract.

Mixedupmummy · 07/01/2019 22:10

sorry for typos Blush on my phone

RussellSprout · 08/01/2019 09:01

Sorry to say that they could discipline or indeed sack you for any non discriminatory reason in the first 2 years and you wouldn't have a leg to stand on OP. The fact that the last person left due to stress would hopefully make them think twice but there are some real cowboys out there.

I'd raise the issue with your manager to see how they take it but be careful.

Madwomanuptheroad · 08/01/2019 09:07

Are you in a union? If not join now.

Productrecall · 08/01/2019 09:13

What's the job OP? A lot of places expect work outside of contracted hours, depending what your role is. Not saying it's right, but it is generally accepted, and it sounds like the last person who left was doing this so it's probably expected....

Mixedupmummy · 08/01/2019 10:57

I've seen this 2 year period mentioned a few times but wasn't aware of it. can anyone tell me what piece of legislation or where the information regarding this is from?

LIZS · 08/01/2019 11:01

www.gov.uk/dismiss-staff/eligibility-to-claim-unfair-dismissal

There are some protected exceptions such as disability discrimination, maternity, sexual or racial discrimination.

slappinthebass · 08/01/2019 11:47

Your ! above Didn't come across as rude above to me, just expressed your surprise at the situation. Just wanted to back you up there. Is the job an NHS role by any chance? I have a relative that gets no breaks at all. If she takes them, children could die.m, because she's on her own. It's a horrible situation and I don't see a way round for her. All the roles in her profession are apparently the same. It comes down to the 4 hour guideline for seeing patients being introduced with NO extra staff being employed. Interested to know if your job is also NHS.

RussellSprout · 08/01/2019 12:07

Mixed up mummy it's the Employment Rights Act 1986.

Amended under the tories from 1 year to 2 years a few years ago.

cheeseypuff · 08/01/2019 15:01

If your contract states 30 hours & 30 mins break then that is what you are entitled to do. I would request a meeting with your manager & explain that you took the job on that basis as you have children to care for as well and if the job is as per the contract then there is no problem.

What is your job? How long have you worked there?

Original poster
firefirefire · 08/01/2019 15:12

Thanks everyone. I am a special needs teacher. At lunch time my class is used for an activity that I monitor.

I have asked to speak to my manager tomorrow to clear everything up.

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