Cinnamon Posted May 21, 2010 Share Posted May 21, 2010 I have just started a new job - first time out to work in 17 years Anyhow,in a 9 hour day I get 3/4 of an hour for lunch unpaid,but I found out today that they only pay me for an 8 hour day,not 8 and a quarter. So basically every full day I work,I am working a quater hour for free I work 2 full days a week,so thats a half hour I am working for free every week, OR 26 HOURS A YEAR!!! At my hourly rate,that is £156 Also I get 2 x 5 minute breaks a day,BUT I have to go in 10 minuted early to 'make up' the time. When I last worked,all those years ago,I used to get a full lunch hour if I did a full day,plus 2 x 15 minute breaks ....is this now a thing of the past? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abwsco Posted May 21, 2010 Share Posted May 21, 2010 It will depend on your contract. Direct Gov Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted May 21, 2010 Author Share Posted May 21, 2010 Haven't got one yet- its 'in the post', but I had to sign to say what hours I had worked last week & noticed this error. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted May 21, 2010 Share Posted May 21, 2010 Some very useful advice here, too on the TUC 'worksmart' website Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted May 21, 2010 Share Posted May 21, 2010 As long as they supply the minumum requirement for breaks (20 minutes after 6 hours) anything else is negotiable. It's up to you to agree what you will and will not work before you sign your contract agreeing to them. EVERY contract is negotiable, don't just accept what you are told. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted May 21, 2010 Share Posted May 21, 2010 I have to take a half hour lunch which I don't get paid for, I think its standard practise nowadays. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted May 21, 2010 Author Share Posted May 21, 2010 But the thing is tht I don't get paid for a full hour,but only get 3/4 of an hour break. Like I say,it equates to me working an extra 26 hours over a year,unpaid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docsquid Posted May 21, 2010 Share Posted May 21, 2010 Welcome to the world of work. I don't think I ever got a lunch break entitlement as such. What I did was grab sandwiches either at meetings or when walking between one ward and another. I usually worked while eating, and simply worked until the work was done, even if it meant (often) working a 12 or 13 hour day when I was nominally paid for 8. I think honestly that breaks are a thing of the past. You are expected to eat at your desk or on the job, and work until the work is done, regardless for how many hours you are actually paid for. Going part time meant I did a full-time job for less money, but no reduction in my working hours! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted May 21, 2010 Share Posted May 21, 2010 You do need to query it Sarah, and request that your contract is amended - they either pay you for the time or give you a longer, unpaid break. They can only say no, then it is up to you whether you agree to it and work on their terms, or go elsewhere (ALL contracts are negotiable, even in the NHS, if you argue your case and they want to keep you). Docsquid, I remember it well, although as a nurse I did have it easier than you doctors! Doesn't make it right though - years of entrenched behaviour in the NHS means we just got on with it and rarely challenged the status quo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docsquid Posted May 21, 2010 Share Posted May 21, 2010 Thankfully I don't have to query it any more, because I've retired. No, it's wrong, but it isn't just the NHS. I don't think either of us can ever remember having a meal break! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted May 21, 2010 Share Posted May 21, 2010 Thankfully I don't have to query it any more, because I've retired. No, it's wrong, but it isn't just the NHS. I don't think either of us can ever remember having a meal break! Very true, I'm supposed to have half an hour, but I always use it catch up with paperwork. But that is my choice - it's there if I want it, and the employer does have to accept that. And as I'm self employed, I could also charge them for it, but I don't. We are our own worst enemies aren't we! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laurmurf Posted May 21, 2010 Share Posted May 21, 2010 The Working Time Directive is the overarching bit of legislation that determines how long a break employees are entitled to when working and how much annual leave they are entitled to. As long as they comply with that employers can do what they like. Public sector employers tend to give better terms and conditions because of the bargaining power of big unions; private non-unionized companies get away with whatever they can. New employees have almost no rights. You can try to negotiate your hours but your success will depend on how much they want /need you and your set of skills. The higher up the 'totem pole' you are the more power you have to negotiate. Just remember it's a buyer's market at the moment, and not a great time to be somewhere in the middle negotiating. The EU and Labour government did huge amounts for employees' entitlements: it will be 'interesting' to see just how much that changes in favour of employers over the next few years... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ISCA Posted May 22, 2010 Share Posted May 22, 2010 On many days I do not get any break...even on 12 hour shifts, just a hastily grabbed sarnie and a drink if I am lucky. I get severely dehydrated some days. I often work an hour over my leaving time. I get no thanks for this. Yes, I work for the NHS! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheilaz Posted May 22, 2010 Share Posted May 22, 2010 ....I get no thanks for this...... Thank you for doing this ISCA! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted May 22, 2010 Share Posted May 22, 2010 I work for NHS and am not allowed to eat in the office we have to go down to dining area for the first time for years. It's a real treat even though we all moan because like most people we're used to working through our lunch break. I think Cinnamon if you recalculate your hourly rate based on what you actually work then you can decide if it is an acceptable rate for you. If you actually need a longer break then it's different. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ISCA Posted May 22, 2010 Share Posted May 22, 2010 ....I get no thanks for this...... Thank you for doing this ISCA! You're welcome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
