Overtime or not??

[texol]

I have been working 45 hours per week for approx 6 pph, but for the first hour of the day we have been payed 5pph, this is what the management call "early bonus". They have recently stopped this because work is quiet, but they say it is expected to pick up in the next week or so and they will put the early starts on again. I know its less than minimum wage, but the boss says it is optional if we want to do it or not (but i dont want to miss out on any money i could earn). All of the staff have agreed not to do early starts when they return, until it is worth while. We would all settle for regular rate. Is it legal for my boss to offer less than minimum wage by making it optional? It is a small firm with only 8 staff and i know earning less has implications with my tax credits.

[Buenchico]

Whether it's voluntary or not, your employer should still pay the statutory minimum hourly rate. As this is only 5p per hour more than you're actually getting paid, it's unlikely to send the firm into bankruptcy!

A basic summary of the rules relating to the statutory minimum wage, together with links to more detailed information, is available on the DTI's website:
http://www.dti.gov.uk/er/nmw/

Chris

[gammaray]

I'm confused texol, the first hour is known as early bonus, but you are paid LESS than your normal hourly rate?? That seems to be a curious situation, considering that in the long run it's the firm that benefits from you starting early as your productivity increases, which makes the firm more profitable. I'm sure you don't see it as exploitation but in fact you are actually paying your firm for the "privilege" of being able to work an extra hour!