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Original poster

Checking for emails on days off

35 replies

DustyLee123 · 17/07/2023 21:34

We’ve been told that we must take our work computers home so that we can check our emails for work changes prior to the working day after out days off.
Is this acceptable ?
Id rather be contacted on my personal phone by text to be told changes. Getting the computer out and turning it on/off is a whole thing, plus I have to bring the laptop home and store it. That makes me responsible for it 24/7.

OP posts:
Aquamarine1029 · 17/07/2023 21:39

Work changes? As in your schedule changing for the very next day?

Absolutely not. To the computer faff and for your schedule changing on such short notice unless it's an emergency and you agree to it.

orangeleavesinautumn · 17/07/2023 21:42

no, completely unreasonable to expect anyone to carry, store, look after or use a work computer on their day off

Original poster
DustyLee123 · 17/07/2023 21:42

Yes, so it’s up to you to check for any changes, so you have to turn your laptop on in your last day off.
So I have to bring my laptop home and store it.

OP posts:
orangeleavesinautumn · 17/07/2023 21:43

and pointless, the whole point of emails is you can check them through different devices, not just one device

but you are completely within your rights to refuse to check them at all out side of work

Original poster
DustyLee123 · 17/07/2023 21:43

The manager said that she can’t be expected to change the rota on line, and contact us via text.

OP posts:
EversoDetermined · 17/07/2023 21:43

We have our work email on our phones (subject to certain security precautions), would that be possible instead?

Original poster
DustyLee123 · 17/07/2023 21:44

EversoDetermined · 17/07/2023 21:43

We have our work email on our phones (subject to certain security precautions), would that be possible instead?

Perhaps, but why should I have it on my personal phone 🤷🏼‍♀️
And why should I check work on my day off 🤷🏼‍♀️

OP posts:
Hercisback · 17/07/2023 21:46

What job do you work in where the rota changes so frequently at such short notice?

Original poster
DustyLee123 · 17/07/2023 21:46

Hercisback · 17/07/2023 21:46

What job do you work in where the rota changes so frequently at such short notice?

Nurse

OP posts:
Whatyoutalkingabouteh · 17/07/2023 21:48

Does the rota change that often? Doesn’t seem acceptable

Original poster
DustyLee123 · 17/07/2023 21:48

Yes it changes that often.

OP posts:
Hercisback · 17/07/2023 21:49

Really, that's crazy. How do you plan anything with such frequent changes? Sod that.

No way would I be checking work emails on days off. They should fix the rota and phone people.

DiscoDeborah · 17/07/2023 21:49

This is not ok. Does the rota change that often? I would expect a message on my personal phone to inform me of any changes and would refuse to access my emails on leave.

Is this NHS?

DiscoDeborah · 17/07/2023 21:50

I would also expect my rota to remain as it is except in an emergency.

Original poster
DustyLee123 · 17/07/2023 21:51

We’ve all said that we want a text to our personal phone but manager won’t do it. Says she doesn’t want to change the rota and text.

OP posts:
kelspin · 17/07/2023 21:54

That's because she doesn't want any mess ups to be her fault. If you don't turn up for a shift, she wants the blame to be on you rather than her because she's forgotten to text you!

Aquamarine1029 · 17/07/2023 22:01

DustyLee123 · 17/07/2023 21:43

The manager said that she can’t be expected to change the rota on line, and contact us via text.

Of course she can be expected to, and if I were you, I'd make sure that's clear. You are not obligated in any way to log into your work email when it's your day off. Refuse to.

Aquamarine1029 · 17/07/2023 22:01

kelspin · 17/07/2023 21:54

That's because she doesn't want any mess ups to be her fault. If you don't turn up for a shift, she wants the blame to be on you rather than her because she's forgotten to text you!

Exactly this. Don't tolerate it.

UndercoverCop · 17/07/2023 22:04

Surely the answer to this is a rota WhatsApp group. It's only used for her to post rota changes. She changes the rota takes one picture uploads, you all see it

rookiemere · 17/07/2023 22:04

If you are in a union I'd get their view on this. Expecting people to access work laptop in their own personal time shouldn't be expected when there is an easy way round it - she texts.
Or - and I'm not a great fan of these but maybe in this scenario for rotas only - set up a work Whatsapp.

SistersNotCisters · 17/07/2023 22:05

Unless they're paying me, I won't be checking my work emails on my days off. In my own job (care home) we have an app we're all part of and we're expected to check it frequently when not at work (phones are banned in the building) and I'm happy to say, "Aah, right. Nope, missed that. Can't have my phone at work can I? And I don't get paid to work from home."
They already get all our training courses done on our own time, unpaid (could easily be 100+ hours), charge us for our compulsory uniform and don't pay us to our clocked hours. (We're on less than 50p above minimum wage too.)

Just say no. The rota should not be altered without reasonable notice and when it is, you should be notified properly. It's their job to seek you out and let you know.

Lougle · 17/07/2023 22:14

"2.24 Where the system is used prospectively an unforeseen change payment of £15 will be available. This will be used where it is necessary for employers to ask staff to change their shift within 24 hours of the scheduled work period. The payment is not applicable to shifts that staff agree to work as overtime, or that they swap with other staff members. It is not available, in any circumstances, in the retrospective system." Agenda for Change

Do you get your £15 if your shift is changed within 24 hours?

LatteLady · 17/07/2023 22:18

You need to be talking to your union, this expectation is not proportionate to your role. I would also suggest speaking to your FtSu Guardian as this shows an unhealthy culture in your team.

LadinLee · 17/07/2023 23:11

Why would you be frequently having shift changes at the last minute?
The odd occasion yes, and the manager can text you, but otherwise that's not acceptable. What if you have made plans, arranged childcare etc.
I'd be telling her I'm not checking my laptop as I'll not be moving my shift!

DPotter · 17/07/2023 23:19

Involve your union
All of the staff refuse to check rota prior to returning from day off
Manager gets her act together and reduces the number of last minute rota changes
I think a whatsapp work group is the best way forward.