My boss has told me that I have to work an extra three hours a day as we are short of office staff and the company does not want to take anyone on due to the cost. The work is tiring and I do not want to work all these hours. Do I have to do this? JF, Dubai
If a contract of employment states that overtime must be worked, the employee must comply unless there is a good reason. But three hours a day is more than is permitted. Article 69 of UAE Labour Law states: “Actual overtime may not exceed two hours per day unless work is necessary to prevent substantial loss or serious accident or to eliminate or alleviate its effects”. The employer may just need to be aware of the law but employees can register a case at the Ministry of Labour.
Keren Bobker is an independent financial adviser with Holborn Assets in Dubai, with over 20 years’ experience. Contact her at keren@holbornassets.com. Follow her on Twitter at @FinancialUAE
The advice provided in our columns does not constitute legal advice and is provided for information only
