is it employment law that anyone who works more than 37 hours a week should get overtime or is it down to employers terms and conditions. my wifes hours have just been increased from 37 to 42 hours without any discussion or negotiation, she was just told that as from X date you have to work more hours. it is a big national company that she works for and she has worked there for 3 years
Down to terms and conditions. You shouldn't do more than 4 per week under European Working Time Directive. However there should be consultation, many people would find it hard to increase their hours just like that (child care, etc.) Does she have a union?
If it's a big company there must be an HR department. Does her original contract of employment say how many hours she would work or is it variable? She can always contact the ACAS helpline (free and no obligation) for a chat http://www.acas.org.u...x.aspx?articleid=1410