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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:
JRHartley72 · 14/12/2022 14:34

Keep pushing back and saying no, you won't be doing it. You're leaving anyway so what's the worst that can happen?

Isyesterdaytomorrowtoday · 14/12/2022 14:36

@OatMilkLattes please tell me you responded with ‘LOL, nope’

if it’s that important she can log in and do it

BringBackFoilWrappers · 14/12/2022 14:41

You're leaving and not working that day.
Simply put, just say no i am not working that day and don't check your emails over the Christmas period.
It's their job to sort then.

JauntyJinty · 14/12/2022 14:41

If you do respond saying you'll do it if paid make sure it's an amount that will make it worth your while.

Other posters are mentioning double pay - assuming she judges it as a 15 minutes task you'd see about an extra £7.50 in you pay pack!

BringBackFoilWrappers · 14/12/2022 14:43

Ok I would definitely respond after that saying no i am not checking it as I have the day off and am not getting paid.
Tell her she is breaching uk law, then say I will not be reading any further emails.
What a rude bitch.

CatJumperTwat · 14/12/2022 14:46

Just say no. You're leaving, so it's an absolute no brainer.

Tinkerbyebye · 14/12/2022 14:53

Just tell her it’s a BH therefore you won’t be working as you don’t work BH

if she insists then she has to pay

ThinWomansBrain · 14/12/2022 14:53

Not relevant, just say no - but where is she going on holiday that has no internet access?

babyjellyfish · 14/12/2022 15:11

Wow, how ridiculous.

You're working on Christmas Day and she wants you to log on at 7am on Boxing Day when you're supposed to be off and won't be getting paid?

That would be a hard no from me.

Presumably if it's the kind of job which requires people to work on Christmas Day, it requires people to work every day, in which case someone else will be working on Boxing Day. Why can't they do it?

LlynTegid · 14/12/2022 15:14

@fancyacuppatea I think referring to this manager as a cow is unfair to cows.

Thisismynamenow · 14/12/2022 15:17

OatMilkLattes · 14/12/2022 11:09

I have asked if I will be paid and it was a flat out no.

I will add I am paid peanuts as a yearly salary too (26k). It’s not like I can justify it because I am on the big bucks!

Then flat out refuse to do the work 🤷‍♀️

2bazookas · 14/12/2022 15:22

Just say you have other plans for Xmas and will be out of contact.

iceyniceyspicey · 14/12/2022 15:24

OatMilkLattes · 14/12/2022 11:07

I already said that I was staying at home for Christmas. That’s why she’s given it to me clearly! She cheekily asked me what my plans were for Xmas last week - I thought she was genuinely interested but it all makes sense now 😡

I can't believe your dh / sister / mother / friend booked you a surprise getaway for Christmas. Guess you'll have to let your boss know...

MinnieGirl · 14/12/2022 15:25

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”

This.
No need to ask about payment etc.
You are on leave and won’t be available.
Then no further response. You have made it very clear.

good96 · 14/12/2022 15:25

You could say that your plans have changed as family have invited you around for Christmas? You don’t need to go into detail, it is none of their business.

deeperthanallroses · 14/12/2022 15:27

No excuses, no apologies.

I won’t be able to check it. I have only been allowed two days leave and they are precious. Perhaps someone who’s getting to take longer off might have that time available to log in to check. I’ll be back in on the 28th for work.

In future to avoid these last minute issues you should pay for this time and schedule people in advance so you know who is willing to interrupt their leave.

ChristmasCwtch · 14/12/2022 15:27

Just reply “sorry, it’s my day off. I’ll still be asleep at 7am lol”

Sunshine275 · 14/12/2022 15:28

She’s taking the piss and sounds like a control freak. Say no. It’s a bank holiday and you’re not contracted to work. No reprecussions will be made for you for Saying so. Speak to HR if need me. Because the more you get the piss taken. xx

abblie · 14/12/2022 15:30

If your leaving anyway just tell her to fuck off and do it herself what can she do lol cheeky cow

Twiglets1 · 14/12/2022 15:30

I would say I can't guarantee I will be sober at 7am on Boxing day so it would be inappropriate to agree to do work.

Fishwifer · 14/12/2022 15:31

Manager here.

Just say no you cannot do that work request as you're on leave. Leave it at that. no need to get drawn into details. push back.

thenightsky · 14/12/2022 15:31

You've told her you're not available to do this task so you don't need to engage her in a message again now. Ignore and enjoy your Boxing Day lie-in, just like she's chosen to ignore your message.

TrimTheTree · 14/12/2022 15:32

If it’s so easy to go back to bed no reason why she can’t fucking do it. Well done for saying no and looking for a new job

TrimTheTree · 14/12/2022 15:33

Twiglets1 · 14/12/2022 15:30

I would say I can't guarantee I will be sober at 7am on Boxing day so it would be inappropriate to agree to do work.

Best response!

ilovesooty · 14/12/2022 15:33

mariahcareyearworm · 14/12/2022 11:16

Don't be specific about your reasons. Just say, sorry it's a bank holiday and I've made plans which mean I won't be able to work that day.

This - but you have nothing to say sorry for. Just say that it won't be possible.