welcome day

thumbcat · Post by **thumbcat** » 13 Oct 2016, 16:00

I didn't. Firstly because I don't want to average more than 48 hours a week and secondly because it seemed as if it also opts you out of laws put in place to make sure you get a decent amount of time away from work. I'd rather be protected by that stuff and it did say it was optional to sign.

Post by **Sunflower14** » 13 Oct 2016, 17:53

Do you have to sign it? If you sign it do you have to work over 48 hours a week if asked? I could do more hours every now and then, like in school holidays

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 13 Oct 2016, 18:24

Sunflower14 wrote:Do you have to sign it? If you sign it do you have to work over 48 hours a week if asked? I could do more hours every now and then, like in school holidays

Its called the Working Time Directive (if you want to look it up)

No you don't have to sign it, and they can't force you to either.

If you sign it you can't be forced to do overtime, if you don't want to. All overtime is voluntary.

Post by **Sunflower14** » 13 Oct 2016, 18:41

So I can pick and choose when I want to do overtime, even if I sign it? I don't mind every now and then as well as over Christmas

Post by **Sunflower14** » 13 Oct 2016, 18:45

It says on the form that you have give HR a months notice if you no longer want to agree to working over 48 hours. Just makes it sound like once signed you have to abide to it

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 13 Oct 2016, 19:32

Sunflower14 wrote:It says on the form that you have give HR a months notice if you no longer want to agree to working over 48 hours. Just makes it sound like once signed you have to abide to it

That's to give them time to do their HR processes and update their records.

If we had contractual overtime then as far as I know, they can insist you abide by it, but all overtime in Royal Mail is considered voluntary so they can't force you. There is a clause in out contract that state some overtime may be required, but its still classed as voluntary overtime, not contractual.

Opting out explained https://www.gov.uk/maximum-weekly-worki ... opting-out" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Post by **Sunflower14** » 13 Oct 2016, 20:42

Thank you for this information. Still pondering over it :)

chloe123 · Post by **chloe123** » 14 Oct 2016, 10:09

i still haven't received my contract and my welcome day is wednesday! not sure whether to send the the starter checklist etc. and leave the pay number blank??

Post by **Sunflower14** » 14 Oct 2016, 10:47

Think that's what I'm going to do. Hope it goes well

thumbcat · Post by **thumbcat** » 14 Oct 2016, 12:37

I got my contract this morning. One thing that bothers me is that it doesn't mention my working hours, only that I'm contracted to do 24 hours a week and the hours to be allocated by my manager. My formal offer was for 4 days 8am - 2pm and I accepted the job because those hours suit me. It also mentions that overtime is necessary 'as the needs of the business dictate'. I'm happy to do overtime when I can but the contract seems to have me agreeing to working whenever they want me. Oh well, I guess I'll find out what's what when I start next week.

Post by **Sunflower14** » 14 Oct 2016, 18:11

I suppose you can only see how it goes. I'm a single parent and need all the over time I can get, but within reason.

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 15 Oct 2016, 14:29

Sunflower14 wrote:Thank you for this information. Still pondering over it :)

Don't forget the Work Time Directive is only for over 48 working hours, anything under that doesn't come under the directive. Even on a 6 day week that's still 8 hours a day

chloe123 · Post by **chloe123** » 17 Oct 2016, 20:56

does the welcome day last the full 8 hours (9-5) and are breaks given?