I started new job involving 12 hour shifts. They told me they have 4 15min breaks. I asked if i could have 30min lunch so that i can go home and they say i have to ask managers permission. They dont pay for breaks so surely you can do what you want with your break time. They say for health and safety if you stay in building and theres an emergency they can call on you and have your time made up later in the day. So surely they should be pay for being on demand. Im a carer in a home. What you think?
2007-03-05 07:40:01 · 11 answers · asked by Sexy 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
The health and safety issue is correct. Under UK legislation it is a requirement that you have breaks. If you chose to have them differently to that which is laid down in your terms of employment then it would be only reasonable for you to need the permission of your employer.
I guess any reasonable employer would agree to it unless of course it would create a precedent and cause other staff to want the same. This might cause problems in the operation of your employers business.
2007-03-05 07:53:12 · answer #1 · answered by frank S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say you can do what you like in your own time. However, when you accepted the job you must also have accepted their work conditions, if they were explained to you fully? Why not ask the union (if there is one).
I worked in a busy shop years ago and the owners were the worst slave drivers going....when it was really busy they didn't like you going out for your coffee break!! Too bad, I said I'm entitled to my break and it's not my fault the shop is full at the time. They didn't like it but couldn't do anything about it because I had the law on my side. No one else took their break when the shop was busy, they were too scared. But funny thing was I was more respected because of my attitude than the others.
The health and safety issue is another thing also, if there was a fire for instance they would at least know you were there (that's why you would have to ask your managers permission to leave).
I think it's very difficult but usually companies don't make exceptions for one person because then everyone would begin to ask for different things and that would disrupt their work system. Sorry, hope you get it sorted soon.
2007-03-05 07:53:49 · answer #2 · answered by rose1 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know the legalities of your break patterns, but I would think that if you are a carer and there is an emergency evacuation, then the staff should be on hand to help to get people out. I would think that the breaks are given correctly, otherwise they would need to employ more staff to cover lunch breaks of a longer duration so that all emergencies are covered.
If you agreed to the 4 x 15 min breaks when you started this job, then I think you are stuck with it or you could change to another care home which had hours that suited your needs?
Good luck with this.
2007-03-05 07:53:48 · answer #3 · answered by heeeelp 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The law is you are entitled to a 15 minute break for every 6 hours you work. That is the law.
But it is up to your employer and yourself how that is broken up. In a job like nursing where you could be counted on to help in an emergency and there are no other people to help in this kind of situation it is all part of the job unfortunately.
It is a tough one and nursing and carework are one of the worst jobs for this kind of thing. Sorry but if you don't like it it is find a new job time.
2007-03-05 07:56:19 · answer #4 · answered by mother sensible 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know of any job that pays employees for a 30 minute lunch break. Some even don't pay for the 15 minute breaks either.
Yes you need permission to take a half hour. The manager might merge two 15 minutes breaks for the half hour.
2007-03-05 07:52:02 · answer #5 · answered by Yafooey! 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't get paid breaks then you are allowed to leave the premises, but you must inform them you are going. However they can stop you from having a 30 minute break as your contract will (probably) say 4 x 15 minute breaks. I know this as where I work they recently banned smoking, I get paid for my breaks and they stopped me going outside the front gate, others where I work don't get paid for breaks and they are allowed. This has come from my HR department.
2007-03-05 07:56:58 · answer #6 · answered by don 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is a good fooking question....but if you signed a contract saying you have to abide by that then hard luck i supose....
I think the laws in the UK are something like every 4 hours a 15 minute break and if you work 6 in a row i think it is 30 mins.....does that help?
2007-03-05 07:46:06 · answer #7 · answered by Dstorter 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should have a 1hr unpaid lunch and at least 3 paid 15 minute breaks.
Check your state laws.
I also suggest that you start looking for a more reputable company to work for.
2007-03-05 07:53:21 · answer #8 · answered by Bryan H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No one gets paid for breaks in my experience. While you are at work, I'm afraid that you are under the instructions of your employer who has the right to specify when you may take breaks. If employers couldn't do this, how could they ensure the delivery of the service?
2007-03-05 07:48:38 · answer #9 · answered by fengirl2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As it's a new job, I'd do what they say (and use this job as a stepping stone to a better one, with decent conditions).
They seem very mean. Look for something else.
2007-03-05 07:50:58 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋