Evening events added to my work

[AlbertineViv]

My job of 10 years has recently changed. I am now expected to attend montly evening network events (2 next month) which were never part of my role previously.

I'm in my 50s and going through a tricky menopause. After a day's work, I don't want to work evenings, even if I am given Toil, and in the winter drive on one event a 60 mile journey at night. I don't like driving at night.

Can I refuse to attend? These events were just landed and my attendance is viewed as mandatoey.

Can you stay over near the event for the one that is far away?

Other than that does your contract say anything about evening events? Had your job changed?

Depends on what your contract states.
Time to find another job.

My original contract doesn't state evening events but it has the generic 'other duties' section that I'm thinking they could say covers this.
Kaitylinn - I could, but at a cost to me. This is a public sector role and they won't pay.

I think you need to to have an honest talk with your line manager - I'm peri and totally understand the exhaustion that never used to be an issue but is now. I get TOIL but more than that, I get flexibility as to when and how I take it, which makes all of the difference. Which includes turning down meetings when they will just wipe me out too much because I've had a full-on week. Do you have a supportive manager? I just think you need to lay it on the table.

I think you need to check the overnight thing. Adding an evening function and a 60 miles each way journey to a full days work is not acceptable. Toil or not. My last public sector job had a restriction on hours worked if you were driving on duty, think it was 12 hour days. If you were likely to go over those hours you were expected to stay away. This was driving a pool car though.
Are you in a Union, or if not , approach ACAS.

if you’re undertaking additional duties why are they not paying it as additional hours or bank?

Thanks. Unfortunately he isn't very supportive and will view my reluctance to go as 'slack' I think. I took one day off 18 months ago, sick, and he made a fuss of it.

Oh that's rubbish, I am so sorry. Does your workplace have a menopause policy? If he's useless then sometimes the black and white of a policy can support your stance?

Thanks for the replies. There is a lot of 'goodwill' in my sector, which is education (admin) so nit sure about the overnight policy and unfortunately no scope for extra pay, just toil.

A menopause policy has just been introduced so I will look at that thanks.

I would just be honest with your boss. Maybe they can offer to pay for overnight accommodation for you on those nights?