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Original poster

Ridiculous 7am start on Boxing Day

436 replies

OatMilkLattes · 14/12/2022 11:04

Hi, I have rejoined MN after a few months off.

I work for a large company in London and we have the 26th/27th off.

We were sent a handover a few days ago from our boss as she has the entire Christmas period off (for the 4th year in a row, meaning I couldn’t take the time off too, but that’s another story!)

She has asked me to log on to my computer to check something at 7am on Boxing Day. In the handover it literally says ‘26th Dec - bank holiday’ and then says for me to log on. I will not get paid for this.

Also if said thing I am checking is wrong, I will need to flag with tech to fix it. That means I will need to phone them and because my flat is so insulated, I need to leave my house and go outside to get signal. I will also have people staying with me so I will end up waking everyone up.

Anyway I am FURIOUS. What can I do here? I feel like knowing I have to log on so early on Boxing Day will semi ruin my Xmas day.

😡

OP posts:
iwasaterribleteen · 14/12/2022 13:30

Another thought:

"I'm sorry but I intend to have a drink with family and friends on Christmas evening. Therefore, I will still have alcohol in my system at 7am. Obviously it would be very inappropriate (and against company policy) to be undertaking important work whilst under the influence of alcohol".

Wanderingoff · 14/12/2022 13:30

Just send one message saying as set out I confirm I won’t be able to do that.

RunLolaRun102 · 14/12/2022 13:31

OatMilkLattes · 14/12/2022 11:46

I’ve messaged her to say I have the day off as it’s a bank holiday so I won’t be checking it.

Her response was for me to please check it still and you can go back to bed after 🙃

Don’t reply to the message: you made your point. Put your ooo on and enjoy your holiday.

MooseAndSquirrelLoveFlannel · 14/12/2022 13:32

"No, I cant but do feel free to log on yourself to check and I'll catch up with you when we return from leave"

WimbyAce · 14/12/2022 13:35

Wow what an awful manager! No wonder you are leaving!

mondaytosunday · 14/12/2022 13:35

If you are leaving anyway just refuse. It's a day off, you aren't being paid, just say no! When I look back at my early years I can't believe the stuff I put up with. If it's so damn important she can do it - she gets the big bucks after all. Dig your heels on this one.

Sitdowncupoftea · 14/12/2022 13:35

I used to start 5am Boxing day. That was due to another member of staff always putting the full years holidays in January. She bagged every bank holiday , Easter, Christmas etc. She didn't have kids. I left and changed jobs. If you feel your untreated fairly leave and let the company know why.

rookiemere · 14/12/2022 13:36

I definitely wouldn't just leave it. The last word on this from your side needs to be you categorically stating that you will not be doing this.

titchy · 14/12/2022 13:38

Just email back 'No.'

Beseen22 · 14/12/2022 13:42

My bank holiday rate is £67 ph, that would be a good starting point for negotiations. You are leaving, I'm assuming they have references already you dont need to worry about it. Do not work out of the Goodness of your heart/pressure not to let people down, you are employed, the benefit is mutual...you are being paid to fulfil your contractual obligations. If she wants you to work on boxing day she pays your hourly rate plus bank holiday enhancements.

fancyacuppatea · 14/12/2022 13:47

If you're leaving and everything is in place (references) then tell her NO.

I hope you're appreciated more in your new job.
Your soon-to-be-ex-boss is a cow and that's me being quite polite who can get up at 7am and do it herself.

WimbyAce · 14/12/2022 13:50

She is trying it on as I'm guessing it should be her doing it.

tanstaafl · 14/12/2022 13:53

I’d be concerned manager knows something might be wrong when it’s checked and knows that’ll mean you involved for some hours.

you leaving is a slap in the face for her, so she’s lumbered you with this.

rippleraspberry · 14/12/2022 13:56

Absolutely not. £26k does not command that kind of responsibility.

Coffeetree · 14/12/2022 13:57

OatMilkLattes · 14/12/2022 11:46

I’ve messaged her to say I have the day off as it’s a bank holiday so I won’t be checking it.

Her response was for me to please check it still and you can go back to bed after 🙃

Don't respond. She has her answer.

BarmyArmy22 · 14/12/2022 14:04

I can't believe she's asking that of you! So completely unreasonable. For 200k a year maybe but no chance on your salary. No wonder you are leaving.

Velvetween · 14/12/2022 14:15

OatMilkLattes · 14/12/2022 11:46

I’ve messaged her to say I have the day off as it’s a bank holiday so I won’t be checking it.

Her response was for me to please check it still and you can go back to bed after 🙃

at this stage I would reply with

“ can you confirm what the firm policy is with respect to working on bank holidays, for example in the event that performing the check throws up any issues that I need to spend my holiday time resolving? Is time off in lieu possible and can this be confirmed in writing?"

If you make it a hassle for her she will hopefully decide to do it herself…because presumably this is a quick job which she cant be arsed to do. I suspect you could wake up and perform this check quickly and quietly, OP, without waking your guests. But thats not the point. You have boundaries in place and thats not a bad thing.

poefaced · 14/12/2022 14:16

I’m leaving in the new year (end of Jan)

Then you would be a mug to do this.

Just say your plans have changed and you're now going away.

Cherrysoup · 14/12/2022 14:18

Send a final message saying no. You have nothing to lose given you’re leaving anyway. 7am on a bank holiday? Just no!

OurChristmasMiracle · 14/12/2022 14:22

I would respond with “as per my previous email I am on leave on 26th and therefore I am unavailable to work”

BobDear · 14/12/2022 14:22

Stand Firm

Many good suggestions for responses on here, and although you should just be able to say 'No' - if you feel you need to explain yourself I would go along the lines of:

'Hello. Unfortunately, I definitely won't be logging on to anything at 7am on Boxing Day. It's not about 'going back to bed afterwards'... Like you, I am not scheduled to work on that day and have plans that do not include me setting an alarm on a bank holiday in order to facilitate a work task.'

spare123 · 14/12/2022 14:22

You're leaving anyway. Tell her that if she wants you to do work on Boxing Day then please can you confirm that you will be paid, at bank holiday rates, and if not you'll be unavailable to do it.

DirectionToPerfection · 14/12/2022 14:23

OP please say you've responded again with a firm no. She is taking the piss and you owe her nothing.

pinneddownbytabbies · 14/12/2022 14:29

No pay no work. And since it is Boxing day you want double time, otherwise she can stuff it where the sun don't shine.

ReturnOfTheMacdonalds · 14/12/2022 14:32

“I am unwilling to take on any unpaid work on my days off, kind regards ….”