How much notice for overtime?

[Mr H]

Morning all.

A very quick question. How much notice should my employer give me if they want me to work overtime?

Through my contract, I understand that I am expected to work overtime to meet the company's needs, but being told that I need to stay over at a few minute notice is surely unreasonable. This is especially difficult when I have childcare responsibilities. I can't make alternative childcare arrangements at such short notice.

Thanks in advance.

[ULA]

Does your contract say anything specific about overtime – for example, that "reasonable overtime may from time to time be required, in accordance with the needs of the business". You say you are being given a “few minutes notice” what does this actually mean in practice.

If overtime is interfering with your care arrangements, because you have childcare responsibilities there may be an issue of indirect discrimination by your employer by unreasonably insisting on the overtime. 

Have you raised this with your manager or HR? If not then I would suggest that you do this in the first instance.

[Mr H]

Thanks ULA for finding the time to reply.

The only reference found in my contract in relation to overtime is as follows: 'You may be required to work overtime as may be necessary to meet operational requirements.'

I am due to finish my shift, and literally a few minutes prior to my agreed finish time, I am being told I need to stay because something needs doing. Sometimes I may get lucky and get half an hour notice.

It is my manager who is telling me I need to stay to complete unfinished work (through no fault of my own). I have challenged this and the response I get is that it's in my contract (quoted above), and if I don't like it I should find other employment!?! I have no issue with working overtime, but to be given such short notice is unreasonable. My manager knows this, but doesn't accept it.

I've spoken with HR and they are also telling me I need to stay and work extra.
There is a work colleague who performs the same role as myself, and they are not pushed to work overtime as they have another job to go to. This is discrimination.

[ULA]

How often are you being asked to work at short notice and what is the extent of your childcare responsibilities?