Overtime
Overtime is defined as hours worked over and above the contractual hours laid down in an individual´s contract of employment. Payment is made to staff in grades 1 to 6 inclusive in respect of any hours worked, and previously agreed with the individual member of staff´s manager, in excess of the contractual norm. Alternatively an equivalent number of hours to those worked as overtime may be taken as time off in lieu at a later date. To avoid any subsequent misunderstanding, it should be agreed in advance of the hours being worked whether additional payment is to be made or time off in lieu taken.
Payment is at flat rate until 40 hours have been worked in a week, increasing to time plus a half in respect of any hours worked over 40. In line with the arrangements for payment for 5 in 7 working, payments are at the rate of time plus a half for all overtime hours worked on the 6th working day in a week and at double time in respect of hours worked on the 7th working day in any week.
It is essential that if overtime is offered to University staff in Grades 1-6, it is made clear at the outset whether the Department/Funding Unit is prepared to pay for hours worked beyond contract. The offer of payment is the norm, and should be agreed, where funding permits. If available funds cannot permit payment, or if staff choose, then overtime may be rewarded on the basis of time off in lieu for time worked. If the overtime is offered solely on a `time off in lieu´ basis, this must be explicit at the time of offer. Any ambiguity is likely to result in a claim for payment.
Unless there is a specific contractual requirement built into the contract, overtime is voluntary. It is expected that where the need for overtime arises, this will be dealt with sensibly, flexibly and fairly at local level.
Grades 7-9
There is no overtime available for staff on these grades. They have a nominal 35 hours and are expected to work flexibly around this to meet the needs of the role. Formal time off in lieu is classed as overtime and so is not permitted. Heads of Department are encouraged to support their staff to self-manage their time flexibly in such a way that they do not work unreasonable or excessive hours, take the necessary breaks, and maintain a good balance between work and home activities.