Forced to work at Xmas

[elohim]

I work as a Security officer in a Control room (for a security company) in a clients place and I am being forced to work Xmas day.

Our schedule is rolling, so I knew I was rosted on for a while. In October I put in a leave request as my contract states that request must be with at least 28 days notice.

I did this and heard nothing back. Usually if we dont get a confirmation of acceptance and only hear if its denied, this has not Happened.

Now this week the contract admin to whom I am subtracted to told me MY manager has the day covered already, so all is ok.

However I have just been told that I cant have the day off as they cant cover it. He further stated that the company policy is not to let employees have time off after the 17 Dec. My collegue has this week been off past that date, so I am dubious, AND it does NOT state any such thing in my contract

I have checked my contract and it states that the holiday year is from 1st Jan to 31 Dec. Although it does state that they reserve the right when holidays can be taken.

I am speaking to my Contract manager tomorrow so need advise on how to play it.

Do I refuse to work as I asumed that it had been accepted and have now made plans, I give 28 notice and they are giving me just 4 days. Or should I explore some other route.

I have worked the last four xmas periods and thgis one would mean a 13 hour day (& Boxing day). I have 2 children, a girl of 3 and a new born son, so wnat to spend this special time helping my family and enjoy at least Xmas day off.

Urgent relies please.

Regards E

[ewand]

Not sure how much help this will be, or if it is too late, but it seems you have been very badly treated by your employer.  I'm also not sure of the legal aspects of this situation either, however, provided you want to stay in this job, I wouldn't recommend you challenged either.

What I would recommend is that you sit down with your boss and make them aware of this situation.  Outline exactly why you are not happy, how this is going to affect your family and what you will be giving up to work.  Also, outline that having 4 days notice isn't fair, and that you are very upset about the effect this will have at home.

I would then suggest that you would be prepared to come in for the sake of the company, but only if the company makes up for it in the new year.  This could be as follows:

• Monetary (such and double time)
• Give you a family weekend off (friday to monday off) so you can make up for it
• Increased benefits etc.

If your boss can see that you are willing to do something for the company, it is only reasonable that they repay you hansomely in return.

 

Best of luck.

[Hgrove]

This will come too late, but I think you should speak to a law centre who usually have an employment practitioner.  A CAB should tell you where your local law centre is. It does not sound right to me but it is hard to say for sure what your rights are.