As an employee, you may have a contracted number of hours that you are expected to work each week. However, sometimes employers may ask you to work more or fewer hours than what is stated in your contract. So, the question is: do work have to give you your contracted hours?
The short answer is yes, employers are generally expected to offer you the number of hours you are contracted to work. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.
Firstly, employers may need to ask you to work fewer hours if there is a shortage of work or business is slow. In this situation, employers may offer you the option to take unpaid leave or use up your annual leave entitlement. Employers must inform you in advance of any changes to your working hours, and seek your agreement before implementing them. If they do not, it could be a breach of your employment contract.
Secondly, employers may ask you to work more hours than what is stated in your contract. In this case, employers are required to pay you for any additional hours worked. However, this may not always be feasible or practical, especially if you are employed on a casual or zero-hour contract. In these situations, it is best to discuss your hours and pay with your employer to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your work.
Finally, if you are employed on a fixed-term contract, your hours may be subject to change based on the needs of the company. In this case, employers must provide you with written notice of any changes to your hours, and seek your agreement before implementing them.
In conclusion, as an employee, it is your right to receive the number of hours you are contracted to work. However, there may be times when employers need to change your working hours, and in these cases, it is important to ensure that any changes are communicated in writing and that they are fair and reasonable. If you are unsure about your employment contract or working hours, it may be helpful to speak to your HR department or seek legal advice.