Can My Employer Expect This

[Ineedsleeprightnow]

I’ve recently gone back to work after raising my sons for the last 10 years, one has Autism so l couldn’t go back to my career.

I’m working as a house cleaner for a small local company as it’s fits in with my son. I only work 12 hours a week, usually Mon/Thur/Frid. My contract says working days are Mon-Friday 9-3. Generic as dictated by the fact that there are 4 of us and all work different days etc.

To my question… can my employer really expect me to be available for work 9-3 Monday to Friday when I’m only paid for the hours l work?

Example… I’m off today/tomorrow so I’ve planned stuff, my food shop, dentist, clean my dads house etc. Boss has texted me this evening asking me to go in tomorrow to do one job for 2 hours. Surely I’m not obliged to agree, or am l given my contract states Mon to Fri 9-3

Haven't you already posted the exact same thread in AIBU?

Yes l have, are we not allowed to do this? I’m guessing one will get deleted if not.

I hadn’t realised that there was a specific work area so thought l would post as HR folk might be more prevalent on here.

The answer is that it depends on two things. The first is the exact wording of your contract. The other is whether you are prepared for the consequences of refusing. The first is legal. The second is how far you would push it.

Are they asking you to cover a shift you wouldn’t usually (like overtime), and you can refuse if you want, or are they insisting you work because your contract is flexible? How are shifts usually allocated?

Contract is basic…. Mon-Frid 9-3 but l only work 12 hours per week.

l usually have set days, Mon, Thurs and Friday. Perhaps 3 times since l started a year ago have l been given another day on my rota.

Honestly because l have caring commitments for both my son and father, l can’t be fully flexible without adequate notice so if that is required then l will have to find alternate employment so in answer to your question, yes l am prepared for the consequences of refusing.

I am being asked to work additional 2 hours this week and only work 10 next week.

Rota is issues on Friday evening for the following week, caveat on bottom of email saying rota can change at any time, although it doesn’t often.

I’ve refused now, already had made plans for tomorrow, food shopping being delivered and taking elderly father to a hospital appointment. If this goes against me then I’ve decided so be it. I have agreed to do extra at short notice before but couldn’t on this occasion.