[serious] What is she entitled too ? (involves workplace hours etc.)

[thegreatone]

Hi all, i'm hoping you can shed some light on a law i heard quite some time back now in the UK, the right to refuse work ?
I've been googling madly for the past 2 hours or so, reading as much information as i can, and nowhere can i find it... I'm beginning to think its one big joke.

Well, say a contract is for 8 hours of work per week, and the person works those 8 hours without problems, is it then ok for that person to turn down additional hours offered to them by the same workplace ?

At the moment i have a friend (well, girlfriend) who is working alot and our spare time together is being ruined along with our plans because her workplace is forcing her to work more than her contract, when she trys to negotiate with them she is faced with disciplinary action...
I know this is wrong, but i cannot find the supporting law that should allow her to refuse additional hours at her will.

Can anyone shed some light on this ?
Please ?

Kudos and Rep. if you can...

EDIT: 16 year old woker here btw, i think this means she is entitled to study time off work..

[wossname]

If its not in the contract then its not legal. Contact a solicitor immediately.

A contract is there to protect you as well as the company, its a 2-way thing.

Stand up for your rights, sounds like she's being used.

[thegreatone]

Ok, i think the first logical step now is to threaten getting a Solicitor involved, this way it won't cost anything in fees.

Cheers Wossy.

[mendhak]

Has she tried asserting herself? It's surprising what a little firm language can do, instead of having to go the long route.

And by asserting, I mean actually defying the 'orders' she's received?

[thegreatone]

Has she tried asserting herself? It's surprising what a little firm language can do, instead of having to go the long route.

And by asserting, I mean actually defying the 'orders' she's received?

Yes, shes on her first warning, one more and shes suspended from work without pay.
Not sure how long for though.

Today shes tried the route of "Family member in hospital" which seems to have given her some time she wants off.

[wossname]

The important thing is to stand up for yourself and don't take any **** from anyone.

I've done that too many times in the past and it only snowballs out of control. If it actually gets to the stage of really requiring legal help then it may be better just to quit even if you are behind. Depends how perverse you are feeling at the time. Sometimes its better for you and her just to cut your losses before it gets really stressful.

Going to court is probably the most stressful thing that the majority of people ever have to go through and its just not worth it, not even on principal.

[wossname]

Yes, shes on her first warning, one more and shes suspended from work without pay.
Not sure how long for though.

Today shes tried the route of "Family member in hospital" which seems to have given her some time she wants off.

Oh well this muddies the waters somewhat.

You should definitely talk to a solicitor, most often the first consultation if free anyway and they will give you a good idea of whether they can help you or not. Contrary to common perception, most solicitors are not evil. Also you could try the "Citizen's Advice Bureau" or similar.

[Shaggy Hiker]

Yeah, talk to a solicitor. Find yourself somebody who has a strong practice in this area, and who has a reputation for being willing to sell his/her own mother.

However, don't comitt to the solicitor right away, even if he/she starts drooling at the prospect. That is a huge hammer to wield. A frank conversation with the boss about your conversation with the solicitor will get things out in the open, before you get into the actual legal game.

If you do go the legal route, don't expect to ever have a good relationship with that company again. They may be legally prevented from retaliation, but they don't have to LIKE you after that. Therefore, if you go that way, go for the money, but look for other work.