Shift change costing me well over a grand a year

[NotBraveSoul]

Hi guys,

Hoping for some advice. I had my shifts “temporarily” changed a couple of months ago, against my will. One of the shifts is an early Sunday start. There is no public transport available that will get me to the office on time, so I have to get a cab. I naively thought I’d suck it up as it was only temporary but I’ve now been told the shift pattern is permanent.

I’ve calculated this will cost me close to £1,500 a year. Do I have any rights here? Looking at my contract I fear I don’t, no commuting costs on expenses and shifts can be changed at anytime to suit business needs.

I do have it in writing that the shift change was intended to be temporary until a fixed date - which is two weeks away.

Thoughts and advice greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I have no idea to be fair but I would think that this is not your workplaces problem that there’s no transportation. Could you arrange to get a lift with a colleague?

Thank you for replying.

No, can’t get a lift with a colleague. I’m the only person in the organisation that’s on this shift pattern.

can you cycle? Can you negotiate a lower rate with the cab company for a fixed booking every week?

It’s rubbish but legally not your employer’s problem so you have no come back here, it’s not their fault you don’t drive.

Thanks for replying.

It’s London so I just use Uber which is the cheapest. I wouldn’t feel comfortable cycling in London, especially when it’s dark/rainy/icy in winter in the early hours of the morning.

I think your stuck with it even if you go down the route of saying it’s only temporary
in the majority of cases/contracts following a process they can change you working shift patterns with correct amount of notice

In my organisation we work shifts and any permanent changes have to go to union consultation. We would listen to someone in your position.
What’s the business reason for the change? Can you justify a return to previous pattern by making a case for it not unduly affecting the business?

Cycling in London early on a Sunday morning is probably the best time to do it!

This is horribly bad luck. It’s worth asking your employer for a contribution.

Roughly which area though ? I’ve lived in zone 2/3 South East London, Zone 2 South London and Zone 3 West London and could get wherever I wanted in central London at any time day or night on the buses.

Put in a flexible working request.

They've chosen you to make it permanent because you didn't push back and just got on with it so they're assuming you're fine with it.

Thanks for responding. I think you’re right!

In my defence, not that many people in London drive. I’ll just have to assess my options.

No union unfortunately. I’m the only person currently at the company that can do this role.

There was someone previously doing this shift pattern but they left so I was moved into my current “hybrid” role. I straddle the two jobs, when really they need to hire someone else to replace the person who left.

It’s technically possible for me to get a bus but would involve a nearly 40 minute walk on either side, including a walk through a park. I would not feel safe doing that at in the early hours in the winter when dark and cold.

Hmm no that wouldn’t be a good idea.

I hope you can someone find a solution

Could you get an electric bike?

If ypu are the only person who can do the role go sit with your manager and ask for a pay rise for the nett takehome amount or for them to contract with a cab company to do a early morning pickup on the Sunday.

The company can prove a business need of needing you on site is cheaper than replacing you plus under Health and Safety having a second person as you open (or are there other staff there too?)

Go on the acas site for advice.

i wonder if you were religious and this shift meant you were unable to attend chapel or church on a Sunday if they’d be forced to offer you another shift?

Employers should aim to not discriminate against religions. If that’s the case, it could be you gave up church for a short while to help your employer, but want to go back now?

It sounds like they really need you. Calmly explain your situation and ask that they either increase your pay or allow you to expense your can.

Just say thanks, I’ll do the shift change temporarily but I can’t agree to do so permanently-I’ll stick to what I’m doing.

Is there any additional pay for working the Sunday? If not, that would be the easiest way to sort out the finances, they need to pay double time for that shift. The premium reflects the logistical challenges of getting there.

Interesting. Possibly. I am a lapsed church attendee. I was attending church until earlier this year around the time my shift was changed 🤔

Oh they know my situation and that I’m not happy with it. I probably need to be more assertive.

The only leverage I have is I'm the only person in the company who can do my job.

I am fully aware everyone is expendable but I also know if they got rid of me they'd have to employ two people. The hybrid nature of my job means they will struggle to find someone who is trained to do both roles.

No additional pay 😕They also have me working every Saturday but at more sociable hours.

I have wondered what would happen if I simply refuse to do the shifts from the original end date onwards. Is that too petulant? 😅