Does being on-call count as working hours UK?
When workers are on-call but based at home or somewhere other than their workplace, on-call time only counts as working time from the time they are called out (this is also the direction in which employers are seeking to push regulations governing on-call shifts at the workplace as part of the European Union review of …
Do employers have to pay you for being on-call UK?
It depends on your contract of employment. If the employee if paid every hour and is exempt from overtime, then ringing them and asking about work isn’t illegal—but your staff member won’t appreciate it. If your employee is non-exempt then you don’t pay them for calls or emails during the working week or weekend.
What is the law on overtime in the UK?
Employers do not have to pay workers for overtime. However, your average pay for the total hours you work must not fall below the National Minimum Wage. Your employment contract will usually include details of any overtime pay rates and how they’re worked out.
Can I be forced to work unpaid overtime UK?
Employees can be required to work overtime, whether paid or unpaid, only if this is provided for in their contract of employment.
Is unpaid on-call legal UK?
Due to the nature of on-call work, you may have to make a phone call after work hours. The law depends on the employees contract of employment. If the employee if paid every hour and is exempt from overtime, then ringing them and asking about work isn’t illegal.
Should you be paid for on-call hours?
If on-call hours count as hours worked, you need to pay your employees for their on-call time. If on-call hours are not considered hours worked, you do not need to pay your employees while they wait. However, you must pay employees when they respond to a call.
Is overtime pay mandatory?
There’s no legal right to pay for working extra hours and there are no minimum statutory levels of overtime pay, although your average pay rate must not fall below the National Minimum Wage. Your contract of employment should include details of overtime pay rates and how they’re worked out.
Can I say no to overtime UK?
Unless your contract guarantees you overtime, your employer can stop you from working it. However, your employer cannot discriminate against anyone, for example by stopping some employees from working overtime while letting others do so.
Can I be sacked for not doing overtime?
If your contract says you have compulsory overtime but it’s ‘non-guaranteed’, your employer doesn’t have to offer overtime. But if they do, you must accept and work it. Your employer could take disciplinary action or dismiss you if you don’t do the overtime you’ve agreed to.
Can I be forced to be on-call UK?
You employer might ask you to work ‘on call’, also known as ‘on standby’, outside your usual working hours. You only have to work on call if it’s in your contract. If your employer asks you to stay at your workplace and you have to be available to work when they ask, all the time you’re on call counts as working time.