Clocks spring forward this weekend
In the UK the clocks go forward one hour at 1am on Sunday 26th March 2023 when we move to British Summer Time (sometimes called Daylight Saving Time). Most people will miss when the clocks actually change, although there will no doubt be the brief moment of confusion in the morning when we try to work out what the time actually is.
For some, however, who work overnight, they will see and feel the effects of this. So, what should employers do for those that are working overnight between Saturday 25th March and Sunday 26th March 2023?
Impact on pay and working hours
When the clocks change in October, employers are faced with concerns about working an extra hour and how to adjust pay for that time, especially for those paid minimum wage. In springtime, however, the concern is more likely to be that employees will technically be working an hour less in their shift as a result of the clock change; for example, an employee working an eight-hour shift will actually only work for seven hours.
Payment for this time will come down to what is written in the contract of employment. If it sets out that the worker is entitled to hourly pay, paid for every hour they work, then they will only receive payment for seven hours. If, however, the employee is salaried, they will more than likely receive their usual pay regardless of whether they work one hour less. This is because a salaried employee is more likely than an hourly paid employee to be required to work extra hours without additional pay and to be entitled to pay even if they work fewer hours.
Be consistent
Subject to any contractual constraints, it is up to employers how they deal with this matter as long as they are consistent and fair in their decision. They may, for example, ask the employee to work an extra hour or simply “write it off”.
Be prepared
Employees due to work when the clocks go forward should be reminded that this will happen and told how their employer will be dealing with it. In particular, those due to start work early on Sunday morning are most likely to be caught out, so a reminder of the rules on lateness would be appropriate, as well as encouraging them to prepare for the change.