Client being charged extra. Should it be passed on to me?

[abientoe]

Im a care worker, private company. A client commented that he is charged double for bank holidays, and I must be very happy to be earning extra today. Thing is, I don't get paid extra for working holidays. Is this normal, or really dodgy? I've not done this job for very long, so not sure what usually happens!

What does your contract say?

It's not ethical, but it is lawful. The contract between the agency and the client is entirely separate from your contract.

Contract just gives a flat rate of pay, no mention of bank holidays except that I'm expected to work on them. I totally understand that the company can charge the client whatever they like. Guess I'm just naive! He told me the eye watering amount he paid - for today, about 10x my hourly rate

what the client pays your employer isn’t really any of your business

Doesn't sound particularly ethical.

Thank you for your comments. I think my gut feeling was as you've said - it's none of my business, but feels pretty unethical. Especially as these are by definition vulnerable people, who are being charged extra for no real reason.

I think it is your business because I imagine that if he queried it, they'd suggest that it's because they have to pay you an enhanced rate for BH. Which isn't the case. At the very least, I'd make it clear to him that you're not getting double time, or even time and a half, so whatever he's paying the extra for - it ain't that.

I used to waitress private dining for high-profile people. I was often asked to do it because I'm a bloody good waitress, and discreet. One day I saw the invoice my boss had given the host. She charged him four times my hourly rate for me. Literally me - it said 'FOKKYFC' - 4 hrs @ £X per hour'. It was annoying, but that's the free market for you. Besides, it made me feel better about not passing in any of the tips. In your case, I think they are making a false representation that it costs them more to have you work on BH, so they have to pass that cost on. I'd tell him. It remains his choice to pay or not have the service, but at least it's honest.