I'm currently in a state of apoplectic rage.
I'm working the last week of my notice this week at a company whos work sometimes involves night work, for which I've been doing 2 nights a week for the bast 3-4 months.
Yesterday (monday) I was told I was only going to be doing 1 night this week (wednesday) and saw no harm in going out for a (lateish) evening last night.
So, bearing in mind I was already a little tired, I wasn't really happy when I was told I was needed for night shift tonight (tuesday) and said as much.
So a few mins ago the boss storms in ranting and raving demanding to know why I won't do a night shift. I explained why, and he basically said he doesnt give a ****, it's my fault for being tired, and that it's not his problem that I'll have to drive home at exhausted at 4am (after doing 8:30am to 5pm in the office). I told him that he should have given more notice then, and that being given less than 12 hours notice is unreasonable.
At this point he explained to me that legally what he was asking me to do was reasonable, because after being here for 2 and a half years I should know that's the kind of work we do here, that I was held to contract (dispite the fact that in 2 and a half years
I've never even signed a contract!) and that an employment tribunal would agree if I wanted to contest it
Personally, I don't believe him, but knowledge is power as they say, so would be nice to hear from someone (Jabba?) who knows what the score is.
He gave me the option of doing the night shift, or leaving at the end of the day and (as it's my last week)not coming back (and not being paid for those days). In the end, being that it's not the end of the world if I do have to work, I decided to do it anyway rather than call his bluff or lose the money.