Unpaid overtime could create legal problems for employers

23 August 2010



Employers could soon face an increase in legal disputes as workers are encouraged to take on unpaid overtime, Chief Executive Officer of Work Wise UK Phil Flaxton has emphasised. He noted that in some cases, employees are working 50-hour weeks, with some employers using underhand tactics to encourage them to do so.

He stressed that this is especially the case for businesses considering redundancy packages, where "harsh tactics" may be adopted to convince staff that working unpaid overtime would be to their advantage. "With the cost of redundancy being as expensive as it is in many cases, I'm sure there are unscrupulous employers out there that would put undue and unlawful pressure on staff," he continued.

Mr Flaxton emphasised that people are likely to become more aware of their employment rights during periods of economic instability. He referred to the recent threat of a strike by BAA staff as an example of individuals recognising where there is a legal case to be made.

Posted by Jo Davis

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