Overtime and TOIL

Overtime Campaign Archive

Our overtime campaign progressed with Unite educating members on their rights to claim overtime and not to be forced to take time off in lieu – a practice reported widely by our members. Unite called on the bank to agree to a joint review on the use of TOIL vs. overtime in an attempt to address some of these issues.

This newsletter was first published in July 2019.

RBS Campaign Update: Overtime, TOIL & ‘Start and Finish’ times

  • Unite Workplace Representatives to step up campaign on unpaid hours.
  • Union urges a joint review of the use of TOIL vs. Overtime.
  • Employer reiterates overtime policy for eligible employees.

Unite’s senior negotiating team met with employer representatives recently to try and resolve a range of issues relating to an employee’s right to be paid for work that they do.

Both the employer and the union recognise that there has sometimes been an inconsistent application of the payment of overtime and the way in which TOIL has been calculated in some business areas of the bank. The union has again highlighted that the bank’s requirement for its staff to be ‘ready for work’ and for employees to ensure that ‘customer needs are met’ are often not accurately reflected, measured or compensated for.

Unite’s position

The trade union has been clear with RBS over employees’ hours worked:

  • Overtime for eligible employees is a contractual entitlement; it’s not discretionary or a perk.
  • All time needed to be ‘ready for work’ and to ensure that ‘needs are met’ should be logged and compensated for.
  • TOIL is not mandatory – it’s a voluntary option for the employee to accept if they wish to.

The Working Day-Let’s Get It Right

Unite’s annual survey of members regularly highlights the alarming amount of unpaid and unrecognised hours, RBS employees continue to work. The reasons are many and varied, but what comes across is a committed and hardworking set of employees, determined to get the job done. The employer will highlight that it encourages flexibility amongst its managers to recognise this additional contribution; unfortunately this message isn’t always received and with staffing levels stretched, the pressure to work extra hours can become unbearable.

Flexibility should work both ways – the employer should ensure that no-one works for free, all additional hours are paid at the appropriate rate and where employees agree to TOIL, they can take it at a time that suits them as well as the business. If you have to start work earlier than your shift requires simply to be ready for customers or you work beyond your normal finish time, these must be reflected as part of your working week.

Further bulletins will be issued to members on the campaign and the outcomes of any joint review in due course.

Where can I get advice on hours of work and overtime?

If Unite members believe they are working additional unpaid hours and have any immediate questions, they should contact their local Unite representative in the first instance.

If further assistance is required, members can contact the Unite RBS information point at rbsinfo@unitetheunion.org.

Unite representatives

The union is always seeking members to take on one of the four Unite Representative Roles i.e. Workplace, Union Learning, Safety and Equality. If Unite members are interested in finding out more about becoming a Unite Representative please contact the Unite RBS Helpline or e-mail rbsinfo@unitetheunion.org.

Unite RBS Updates & Update Your Details

If you would like to receive regular updates electronically from the union and have not already advised us, please email from your preferred email address to rbsinfo@unitetheunion.org. It is also important that members ensure that their membership details are up to date and accurate (e.g. home address, work address, whether you are full time or part time etc.).

If you believe that your membership details are out of date, please also e-mail the above address or alternatively you can contact your local union office or log onto ‘My Unite’ at the website www.unitetheunion.org where you can update your own details.

Not a member?

RBS employees who are not already members of Unite are urged to join the trade union now.

Join Unite’s 1.4 million members and have a voice on your pay and other issues, as well as receiving support, advice and representation. Membership forms can be obtained by emailing rbsinfo@unitetheunion.orgplus you can join online at www.unitetheunion.org.

Further reading