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The Global Insight

Can my employer make me work outside my contracted hours?

Author

Christopher Ramos

Updated on March 20, 2026

Your employer can’t make you work more than 48 hours a week on average. It doesn’t matter what your contract says or if you don’t have a written contract. Your employer might ask you to sign an agreement to opt out of the 48-hour limit. Even if you do choose to sign it, you can cancel it at any time.

Can I refuse to work more than my contracted hours?

You only have to work overtime if your contract says so. Even if it does you can’t usually be forced to work more than an average of 48 hours per week. If you’re told to work more than this and you don’t want to, you should first take it up with your employer.

Can an employer force you to work certain hours?

A. Yes, in general an employer may dictate the employee’s work schedule and hours. Additionally, under most circumstances the employer may discipline an employee, up to and including termination, if the employee refuses to work scheduled overtime.

Do I have to work past my contracted hours?

Do I have to work them? You are obliged to work the hours set out in your contract terms. Your contract may also say something specific about overtime – for example, that “reasonable overtime may from time to time be required, in accordance with the needs of the business”.

What happens if you are not given your contracted hours?

Contracted hours not being met: where your contract doesn’t allow. Whilst your employer may ask you to change your contracted hours, they cannot force you to do so. Accordingly, contracted hours not being met would be classed as a breach of your contract.

Can you be forced to work more than your contracted hours UK?

You only have to work overtime if your contract says so. Even if it does, by law, you cannot usually be forced to work more than an average of 48 hours per week. Unless your contract guarantees you overtime, your employer can stop you from working it. …

What is the law on contracted hours?

The law on contracted hours Typically, your working hours will be set out expressly in your contract of employment. Your contract will usually also state how these hours are to be worked, for example, in shifts or on fixed days.

Can my boss reduce my contracted hours?

If your employer asks you to work fewer hours or take a pay cut, this is a change to your contract of employment. Any change to your contract of employment must be agreed by both you and your employer. If you don’t accept a reduction in your working hours or pay, your employer may decide to make you redundant.

Is it forcing me to work outside my contracted hours?

Forcing me to work outside my contracted hours. — MoneySavingExpert Forum Forcing me to work outside my contracted hours. Have you read our Forum announcement? Forcing me to work outside my contracted hours. I’m looking for a bit of advice about a phone call I just recieved from my job.

Do you have to work extra hours under your contract?

You are obliged to work the hours set out in your contract terms. Your contract may also say something specific about overtime – for example, that “reasonable overtime may from time to time be required, in accordance with the needs of the business”.

Do you have a contract of employment with your employer?

What is a contract of employment. There is always a contract between an employee and employer. You may not have anything in writing, but a contract will still exist. This is because your agreement to work for your employer and your employer’s agreement to pay you for your work forms a contract.

Can a employer stop you working on a zero hours contract?

You can read more about continuous employment on GOV.UK. Your employer doesn’t have to specify how many hours’ work they’ll give you if you have a zero hours contract. If you’re on a zero hours contract, your employer can’t stop you working for another employer.