Is this expected? - retail industry.

[Potatoes]

It does sound very retail... it's a very tough industry with high volume, low margin and lot's of pressure. I agree with the advice but in practice it will be very difficult to find an amicable solution in this area manager/store manager relationship unfortunately.

I found myself in a similar situation in this industry, when I felt that I'd got what I needed from the role and company (work experience wise) I found a new, better paid job.

[m3coupe]

My wife works for a large supermarket as a department manager. Several years ago this was the norm, working well over the scheduled times, finishing at 11 then being in for 7 the next morning. I got on at her about it but the manager she had made the environment so they all were expected to stay. It got to the stage you were frowned upon when you did leave even if you had worked well past your finishing time.

Move ahead a few years, new manager and now they work to the allotted time and no longer. Occasional bit of overtime but nothing is expected.

It's down to the management team really. Either way, it is illegal and just needs one person to challenge it to get something changed however I kno how hard it is to be that one person.

[Sharted]

Has she opted out of the Working Time Directive?

You should look into this, I suspect that it's the kind of info you were looking for.

[Cheib]

I think she needs to make the facts known to the area manager that economically because of child care she just can't carry on doing 70 hour weeks. If the area managers responds by saying you just have to do it she has two choices stay and work normal hours or leave.

Personally I think she should start working normal hours and outline why she has to do it (i.e. cannot afford the childcare costs). If the area manager reacts inappropriately she needs to escalate it to HR or whoever within the company (they must have an official complaints procedure). It will involve confrontation but that is the only way to deal with it . She needs to note down/record absolutely everything that is said to her. If anything is said to her respond with e-mails etc.

[truck71]

Sadly this is common in retail, until recently I worked for a large retail group and the employment contracts all stated additional hours beyoond those stated would need to be worked when required. Perfectly legal provided minimum wage regulations are not breached etc. Not right when you are constantly having to work excessive hours as described by the op.

[ecsrobin]

truck71 said:

Sadly this is common in retail, until recently I worked for a large retail group and the employment contracts all stated additional hours beyoond those stated would need to be worked when required. Perfectly legal provided minimum wage regulations are not breached etc. Not right when you are constantly having to work excessive hours as described by the op.

As long as the EU working time directive isn't breached.

[truck71]

ecsrobin said:

truck71 said:

Sadly this is common in retail, until recently I worked for a large retail group and the employment contracts all stated additional hours beyoond those stated would need to be worked when required. Perfectly legal provided minimum wage regulations are not breached etc. Not right when you are constantly having to work excessive hours as described by the op.

As long as the EU working time directive isn't breached.

Yes. Liklihood is the contract will also state that you agree to opt out of the 48 hrs clause..

Retail has a low barrier to entry, lots of low skilled workers needing jobs means the employer is in the ascendancy. Just to point out im not suggesting everyone in retail is low skilled.