Detailed analysis of pay and policies in UK companies for shift working and overtime including time off in lieu, standby and call-out. Our Shift & Overtime survey is carried out every two years. This survey provides those with shift working with a detailed overview of policies for the most typical shift patterns including hours, shift cycles, shift crew numbers, meal and tea breaks, shift premia, etc. Data is presented company by company in order to give a complete picture of the shift pattern arrangements of each company.
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The Shift & Overtime Policy Survey Report begins with a summary of the survey results, highlighting the main findings and showing trends based on comparisons with previous surveys.
Examples of summary pages from the 2011 report are:
This chart shows that the percentage paid as a premium for Regular Night Shift 5 Day working, has risen in recent years.
72% of companies who pay call-out by the number of hours worked (basic or overtime rate, with or without a call-out fee) guarantee a minimum number of hours pay irrespective of the actual time spent on the call-out.
This was 59% in 2009, 76% in 2007, 75% in 2005, 69% in 2003, 67% in 2001, 64% in 1999.
The median number of guaranteed hours is 4. The average is 3.4. The figures for this and previous years are:
| Median | Average | |
| 2011 | 4 | 3.4 |
| 2009 | 4 | 3.3 |
| 2007 | 3 | 2.7 |
| 2005 | 4 | 3.3 |
| 2003 | 3 | 3.2 |
| 2001 | 4 | 3.4 |
| 1999 | 3 | 3.2 |
The survey results are then covered in full, with each topic including graphs, statistical analysis and comments made by participants where appropriate.
For the analysis of shift patterns, data is presented company by company to show the full working arrangements including length of shift cycle, hours worked per shift/week per individual, number of shift crews, shift premium (either as a percentage of basic or as an annual cash figure), meal breaks, etc.
For policies on time off in lieu, standby and call-out working, typical pages are:
The 53 companies paying for standby were asked how the payment is fixed and what is paid. The responses are as follows:
| Flat rate per hour | 9 companies (17.0%) |
| Flat rate per occasion, shift, etc. | 19 companies (35.8%) |
| Flat rate per week-end day | 10 companies (18.9%) |
| Flat rate per Bank Holiday | 5 companies (9.4%) |
| Flat rate per week | 11 companies (20.8%) |
| Flat rate per year (on rota) | 9 companies (17.0%) |
| Other | 11 companies (20.8%) |
Some companies have more than one method of paying for standby.
Holiday calculation and out-of-hours catering arrangements are also covered for shift workers as well as questions on the provision and level of shift compensation for shift workers taken off shift.
For those with overtime payments the survey examines: the policies in place to determine who receives overtime pay; actual payments; how overtime is controlled. It also looks at the experiences of those who have stopped overtime payments.
Arrangements for companies offering time off in lieu is covered, including: when time off in lieu is given; problems operating time off in lieu; and what level of time off in lieu is given.
For standby and call-out the survey looks at who is on standby/is called out, what payments are made, what is guaranteed, what is done when calls are dealt with over the phone, etc.
This survey is an invaluable overview of shift, overtime, standby and call-out. It is a must if you operate using any of them.
The Shift & Overtime Policy Survey Report 2011 is now available to buy. An electronic copy (pdf) costs £195, hard copies are £215 (including postage & packaging). To purchase the survey order here or contact us for more information.
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