You have started a new job and suddenly, it is revealed that the hours to be worked are in total contrast to what was promised. Contracted hours make clear about what the employment agreement is all about. It states how many hours a person is expected to work to earn a certain amount.  

But what if there are changes in those hours or the employer does not really uphold the agreement?  

So, let us break down everything relating to contracted hours in a workplace to be able to tell what your rights and responsibilities will be. 

What Are Contracted Hours?

Contracted hours are the number of hours that an employee commits to work as part of a contract of employment. Those hours will normally be documented in writing on an agreement signed by both employer and employee before commencing this job.  

Thus, if you have got a contract that states you will be working 40 hours a week, that is what constitutes your contracted hours. Employers have a legal obligation to pay you for this, regardless of being a full-time, part-time, or zero-hour contract.  

Your contracted hours can also indicate specific times on the day and days you are supposed to work, depending on your job’s nature. 

Can a Company Change Your Contracted Hours?

Yes, but the employer cannot unilaterally make the alteration. Obviously, contracted working hours require consultation and consent between both parties to amend. 

In general, such modifications should be based on a recognized business justification for amending contracted hours such as the change of operational requirements. Adequate notice should be given as well before changing anything.  

However, if your contract contains a flexible clause, it may mean an employer can change hours flexibly without further agreements.  

If one feels coerced into accepting such change, or it is to one’s detriment under the adjustment, unfortunately, legal action can be taken through union or employment tribunal process on this.  

Open communication is key here—speak with your employer first to try and reach a mutual understanding before escalating the situation. 

What Happens If I Work More Than My Contracted Hours?

Get to know the parameters within which one should access rights regarding overtime. However, working beyond contracted hours in certain industries seems to be quite a commonplace scenario.  

Moreover, overtime pay should be paid at the agreed rate for extra hours worked encased in your contract. For example, some companies offer time-and-a-half or double pay for overtime. If your contract is silent on overtime pay, the employer is required to ensure overall pay is at least the National Minimum Wage, even for extra hours worked. 

It is, therefore, possible to turn out that regular work beyond your contracted hours is an infringement and not granting any additional payment or time for any rest. Record your working hours, and do not hesitate to discuss any aspects of being overstretched with your employer. 

What If My Employer Doesn’t Give Me My Contracted Hours?

It really can be very annoying if your employer does not provide the number of hours that are mentioned in the contract as that will put you in a position of affecting your income as well. 

The employment agreements must always be honored by your employer legally. Hence, your employer cannot continuously fail to provide you with an agreed contract hour without a reasonable explanation for it. This gives you the right to approach them.  

Start with an informal discussion with your manager or check out other informal routes through the HR department. If nothing happens, you may see the advice of a legal practitioner or look for an employment tribunal. 

It is even more relevant when one has a zero-hour contract, wherein there is no work guarantee. However, the fact remains that an employer must follow legislation that prevents the unfair withholding of hours or its members from a kind of penalty that results from not taking a shift. 

Balancing Flexibility and Stability in the Workplace

Some jobs need flexibility in working hours, which is undoubtedly an advantage for both employers and employees involved. However, it shouldn’t be at the cost of security or unfairness gains for the two parties involved. The first consideration regarding employees is to expect clear hours of work to manage well their private lives and finances. 

The contract will then describe the expectations from both parties, thus avoiding any ambiguity and misunderstanding in the workplace’s culture. Some of the tools in implementing such include employee scheduling software to ease the management of both contracted and flexible hour routines for staff. 

Tips to Resolve Issues Related to Contracted Hours

  • Peruse Your Contract Thoroughly: Before signing the contract, understand the terms regarding working hours, overtime, and flexible time. 
  • Document Everything: Keep track of hourly hours, including overtime and missed shifts. 
  • Communicate: Raise directly with your employer the concerns the moment they arise. 
  • Seek Legal Advice: Inform your union representative or employment law expert if talking unofficially has not worked. 
  • Be Proactive: Use scheduling tools to plan and follow hours for clarity and fairness. 

Why Contracted Hours Are Vital in the Security Industry?

Let us consider the example of a security guard at a commercial facility. Their contract states a working time of 48 hours per week, with the possibility of overtime during peak seasons. If this is not met by the employer, the site could be understaffed and risks dangers attached to this.  

On the other hand, if a guard is made to work for longer hours without any compensation, it could result in possible burnout and conducive working conditions.  

Nowhere could the balance between contracted hours for operational demands be more evident than in industries such as security, retail, and healthcare, where coverage must be combined with accuracy. 

Final Thoughts

Contracted hours form the basis of any employment relationship. They would prevent an employee from being exploited while also ensuring that there is enough workforce to carry out the operation of an organization.  

Besides, understanding contracted hours, possible variations, and steps to take when there is a problem can empower employees to protect their rights and contribute to building an equitable and transparent working environment by employers. 

Lastly, when you have an issue with contracted hours, act proactively rather than waiting for the matter to blow over. Also, take note of the fact that a clear contract coupled with open communication goes miles in building trust and harmony in a productive workplace.

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