Question regarding wages and non-payment etc.

[format]

Update:

The above situation has not changed. Recently they have decided to have 'breaks' for all staff.

30 mins break for a 6 hour shift.

1 hour break for a 8 (or more) shift.

Very generous, I thought.

However, they can only be taken 15 mins at a time, and they can't be taken at 'peak' times.

Not so bad, I thought.

All breaks are also unpaid.

Again, not uncommon.

The problem is though, that should you not take these breaks (they are not mandatory) then you will still not paid for your allocated break time.

If anyone has ever worked in a kitchen or service environment, you'll know that taking breaks is a luxury not available for many. Finding the time to take even 15 minutes is very difficult as there is always something more to prep or clean. Indeed, often I feel like if I take a break I'm only making things harder for both myself and my colleagues later on when I have to catch up with the things that haven't been done - which is after my allocated shift time (and it often is) then I won't be paid for that either.


This new 'breaks' system combined with the original problem has resulted in days where I often work 10 hours and only get paid for 8. It's a total nonsense and they refuse to change their opinion. What are my options?


edit: still don't have a contract, and was promised that in February!

[Agent]

Honestly? Find another job and consider reporting them for not paying for hours worked.

It's BS how much they can get away with these days and a nightmare to fight against, certainly in the lower paid jobs (I don't know if yours is - I just know it's a particular issue there)

[format]

Honestly? Find another job and consider reporting them for not paying for hours worked.

It's BS how much they can get away with these days and a nightmare to fight against, certainly in the lower paid jobs (I don't know if yours is - I just know it's a particular issue there)

Minimum wage. Been promised a wage rise after several 'upgrades' to my level of responsibility but nothing yet. I've already started looking for another job in the mean time.

[TheAnimus]

Minimum wage. Been promised a wage rise after several 'upgrades' to my level of responsibility but nothing yet. I've already started looking for another job in the mean time.

Life tip. Start looking as soon as they start to dick you over. Have more respect for yourself and your skills, your employers will either respect that and treat you well or ostracise you as a cancer.

[Flash477]

Also start as you mean to go on - if you start working extra hours, not taking breaks etc, your boss won't likely care but will expect it in future.

[badass]

Minimum wage. Been promised a wage rise after several 'upgrades' to my level of responsibility but nothing yet. I've already started looking for another job in the mean time.

If they are paying you minimum wage for only the hours they decide to pay you for, you can take them to a tribunal to pay you at minimum wage for the unpaid overtime as well as they would be paying you for less than minimum wage.

I'd look for work elsewhere personally and chalk it up to experience.

[jimbouk]

However, they can only be taken 15 mins at a time, and they can't be taken at 'peak' times.

Do you have that in writing? http://www.hse.gov.uk/contact/faqs/workingtime.htm

But yeah (if you don't need a reference cause a fuss and) quit.

[flearider]

name the place of work .. and we can shame it ...

[ConnorLowe]

You shouldn't settle for anything less than you deserve. If you work so many hours, you should be paid for so many hours. Simple as that.

If your employer starts messing you around like they are doing, hand in your notice and find a new job. As mentioned in an earlier post, don't let your skills go to waste because your employer is a tool