working 4 days do i have to work 5 if offered?

[aoc]

I currently work 4 days per week - my query is:

I cover reception 2 days per week and do accounts 2 days per week, there is another girl that does reception the other 3 days per week (she works only 3 days) - she is due to go on maternity leave at the end of Sept and my employer has suggested not getting anyone to cover her days - i do not have a problem with this, given the current climate if she were not pregnant she may have been made redundant. Er has suggested that i work 5 days per week to cover the leave - i don't want to do this, i am quite happy with 4 days.
- Do I have to work 5 days if offered?
- if i don't work 5 days - legally can i be let go / made redundant?

 

[jhegarty]

what does your contract say ?

 

[aoc]

ammmmmmmmmm, well technically i don't have a contract for 4 days, orig i worked 5 days then changed to 3 (couldn't get all work done in 3) so changed to 4. I have a great relationship with er but would like to have another opinion on it. I have already told er that i won't do it, but it keeps popping up...

 

[shipibo]

Whatever it states in contract

 

[aoc]

i don't actually have a contract of employment.. have been working with the company for over 7 years....... anyone any advise (well apart from get a contract!!)

 

[susie1]

what is your job title, receptionist or accounts?

if the job is being flexible with you, allowing you work reduced days because you just want to, i would say you should return the favour and cover for the girl on maternity leave. i would have the job agree that it is for a set time only, just incase the girl doesn't come back.

 

[aoc]

i know I could be flexible, but it actually doesn't suit me, i would have to work 5 days from Oct until at least Apr, I know the girl is going to take extended leave...

Does it matter what my job title is???

Just wondering from a legal point of view, do i have the option to refuse the 5 days or not??????????