THE clocks went forward at 1am this morning, March 28, meaning an hour less of sleep for many of us.
But for some night shift workers, the clocks changing could also mean less work and less pay.
More than 3 million people work night shifts in the UK, meaning one in nine workers could be affected by changes to daylight hours.
Below we explain the rules around working when the clocks change and how to understand your rights.
Will I get to work an hour less?
Whether or not you get to work an hour less will depend on how your employment contract is worded.
If it says that you have to work specific times, for example from 12am to 8am, you’ll likely be able to enjoy a shorter shift.
But if it states the number of hours you should work, for example an eight-hour shift, you’ll typically need to work the full hours.
This means you’ll clock off an hour later than usual, even though you won’t actually work any extra hours.
Will I lose pay if I work less?
If you’re able to work a shorter shift, whether you’ll get the same amount of money depends on how you’re usually paid.
John Palmer, senior adviser at the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS), told HOAR: “If an employee is paid hourly then they should be paid for every hour they work.
“So if they work an extra hour, they should be paid for the extra hour and vice versa.”
Alison Colley, managing director of Real Employment Law Advice, added to HOAR that hourly paid workers on zero hour contracts are usually paid for hours worked.
It means the employer doesn’t have to pay for the “lost hour” when clocks go forward.
But if you’re salaried or paid a day rate, your company typically can’t reduce your pay unless it is set out in your contract.
Ms Colley added: “The employer could ask them to work an additional hour at another time to make up that hour lost, if they were inclined.
“But most employers would probably say that (particularly for night workers) they do an extra hour when the clocks go back so it all works out the same over the course of the year.”
