Help! What shall I do about my work hours?

I've recently started a new job (Monday) and I'm currently on an 8 hour contract, and I understand this means that I have to work at least 8 hours a week. I did an 8 hour shift both Monday and Tuesday and honestly I'm drained. As well as this, I experience significant anxiety, and it has been unbearable both before and during work - I had to call my mother yesterday morning because I had an anxiety attack and was almost sick (I now have a Drs appointment regarding anxiety).

However, over the next three weeks, I've been put on four 8 hour shifts a week, and next week these shifts are all in a row. I could barely cope with the past two days so I really don't know what to do about the next few weeks. I can't physically and mentally cope with working these hours, but I'm not sure if I should say anything because I'm new to the job. I'm thinking of emailing my manager, but I have no idea what I should write in the email.

Please help!

Reply 1

Stiffy Byng

Does your contract require you to work eight hours a week or eight hours per shift?

Four eight hour working days in a row is an ordinary working pattern. If you are unable to work that pattern, resign from the job; but you will then have to consider how you will ever hold a job if you cannot do what is in most occupations the usual working day.

You are entitled to rest periods during each shift.

Reply 2

chloe_b_h

Original post by Stiffy Byng

Does your contract require you to work eight hours a week or eight hours per shift?
Four eight hour working days in a row is an ordinary working pattern. If you are unable to work that pattern, resign from the job; but you will then have to consider how you will ever hold a job if you cannot do what is in most occupations the usual working day.
You are entitled to rest periods during each shift.

It's eight per week.

No I know that's an ordinary working pattern but I was told it was a part time contract where it wouldn't be that many hours. As well as this, everyone else has a part time contract and they're not working as many hours as I am.

However, as stated, I do struggle with anxiety which accompanies ASD, which makes everyday life a living hell, which is why working so much is an issue.

I get a 30 - 45 minute break half way through my shift.

Reply 3

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by chloe_b_h

Probably worth discussing with the manager that when you accepted the role it was on the expectation of working 8 hours per week, and you can't commit to more than that. You don't need to say why, although if you have a recognised disability they may need to try and see how they can accommodate that. Some kinds of neurodivergence are covered in that category, legally.

Then you can work with your manager to find a way to see if you can make it work. If they realistically wanted someone who can commit more than 8 hours a week then you'll need to look at giving your notice and looking for other roles, but hopefully they can find a way to make it work :smile:

‐---------------------

I would also criticise the previous commenter and note that not everyone works a typical working week and plenty of people work part time or in job shares for a variety of reasons, including health, caring responsibilities including childcare, having another job alongside it or being a student or similar, as well as simply personal preference if they are living within their means otherwise.

Not to mention plenty of jobs have different working hours that aren't typical 8 hour shifts.

Just because one is unable to work in a full time standard 8 hour shift role now does not suggest they are incapable of working or holding down a job now or in the future and its neither constructive nor helpful to suggest that.

(edited 11 months ago)

Reply 4

chloe_b_h

Original post by artful_lounger

Probably worth discussing with the manager that when you accepted the role it was on the expectation of working 8 hours per week, and you can't commit to more than that. You don't need to say why, although if you have a recognised disability they may need to try and see how they can accommodate that. Some kinds of neurodivergence are covered in that category, legally.
Then you can work with your manager to find a way to see if you can make it work. If they realistically wanted someone who can commit more than 8 hours a week then you'll need to look at giving your notice and looking for other roles, but hopefully they can find a way to make it work :smile:

‐---------------------
I would also criticise the previous commenter and note that not everyone works a typical working week and plenty of people work part time or in job shares for a variety of reasons, including health, caring responsibilities including childcare, having another job alongside it or being a student or similar, as well as simply personal preference if they are living within their means otherwise.
Not to mention plenty of jobs have different working hours that aren't typical 8 hour shifts.
Just because one is unable to work in a full time standard 8 hour shift role now does not suggest they are incapable of working or holding down a job now or in the future and its neither constructive nor helpful to suggest that.

Thank you so so much for understanding

Reply 5

Stiffy Byng

OP, have you contracted to work a minimum of eight hours a week, or to work just eight hours a week? If the latter, you can decline to work more than the contracted hours. If the former, you are in the wrong job. I stand by my comments above.

Please bear in mind that until the new Government changes the law, at present you have very little employment protection, absent a disability.