Whether you are entitled to be paid for overtime, and at what rate, is something that is agreed between you and your employer. If there is an agreement it becomes an express term in the contract of employment. The written statement of particulars, which you should be given within 8 weeks of starting work, should tell you how your pay will be calculated.
A collective agreement between the union and employer may specify the overtime payable.
Many workers, particularly during an economic downturn when jobs may be more scarce, feel under pressure to work extra hours for free. The TUC calculates that in excess of 5 million people regularly work overtime unpaid, and that the average person gives 2 working months of free labour to his or her employer.
It is usual for hourly paid employees to be paid for overtime worked. Where payment is made for overtime, the hours worked should be recorded by the employer and payment due calculated in accordance with the contract of employment at the agreed rate, i.e. plain time or premium rate. Payment is usually made a week or month in arrears.
