I have succeeded at getting what I thought to be a great job after a grueling three-stage interview. I work with nice people doing engaging and creative work. The pay is not great but its above minimum wage.
However, my contract says I will be paid for 37.5 hours a week with no compensation for overtime. So far I have worked 41, 46 and 50 hours in my first three weeks in that order so it seems to be getting worse. I am given some time off for particularly bad days. For example I worked 20 hours and got home at 4a.m. which entitled me to the day off after. However it is not a 1:1 ratio so I still effectively ended up working 20 hours and getting paid for 16. I have been asked to sign a waiver for the “Working Time Regulations 1988” which says I am allowed to work more than 48 hours a week. So far I have not signed it.
I have been told by colleagues that no one lasts more than two years but the company seems to be able to cope - it has been around for 20 years. I struggled to find a job and really do not want to leave but I feel I am being used and it is really demoralising me.
There is only a small team and they required a lot of training so I thought we might have some clout together but that is effectively trying to organise a union and I am probably in over my head with that. Does anyone have any bright ideas for how to improve the work situation?