Compulsary overtime!!!

[KAZ]

Does your employer have the right to make overtime compulsary? and if so how much can they enforce on you? is there a set limit and does it have to be within your normal working days (ie Monday to Friday)?

Thank you for any advice

[stoo_pid]

I'm pretty sure that unless its stipulated in your contract you can't be forced to work overtime.  However, I am struggling to find any specific evidence to back that up at the moment I'm afraid (I'll keep looking though).  At the very least you should be able to work to rule (i.e. stick to the exact terms of your contract).  Certainly, unless you sign an opt-out agreement, your employer cannot force you to work an average of more than 48 hours in a week.

[stoo_pid]

Hi again KAZ.  Having dug around a bit all I can find is anecdotal info, but the consensus seems to be down to your contract & existing working practices.  If your contract says something like "...you may be required to work additional hours..." (as opposed to "... be requested...") or even if your employer told you the same at your interview then you would probably have to work the hours (within the 48 hour limit).  Even if its not specifically stipulated in your contract but it has been common practice to work overtime you may still be required to work the overtime. 

Your best be would be to give ACAS http://www.acas.org.uk/index.html a quick call on 08457 47 47 47 - if they can't tell you for certain they will be able to tell you where to find the correct answer.

Good luck

[merchec]

If your contract states you will work O/T as required you really have to unless you can give a good reason why not, they also haave to give you enough notice. The most they can request is 48 hours averaged over 17 weeks, this is a Eupean Directive. You might be asked to opt out of this maximum but you dont have to agree. Hope this helps.