Overtime is when you work hours beyond your normal working hours and your normal working hours should be in your contract.

Your employment contract will usually detail how overtime is paid (if paid) and you only have to work overtime if your contract says so, ‘compulsory overtime’. If you are contractually bound by compulsory overtime, you cannot be forced to work more than an average of 48 hours per week, by law. If you agree to work longer, this needs to be in a written and signed agreement.  

Some employers choose to repay overtime with time off instead, this is known as ‘time off in lieu’ and terms of this must be agreed with your employer.

All overtime will also accrue holiday and this must be paid to the employee or included in their time off in lieu. Find out how to calculate accrued holiday here.

All overtime needs to be authorised.

If you are a SALC payroll client and the council have agreed to pay you for your overtime hours, please refer to the payroll service bulletin and let me know by the cut off date to be included in your payroll for that month. 

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