When an individual commences employment with the business it is important to establish whether or not they are engaged in any other employment so as to avoid Double Employment. Employers should make clear to their employees that should they wish to take up another job while still in their existing role, this must be authorised by a manager. The reason for this is that under the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, employees are not permitted to work more than an average of 48 hours per week over a 4 month period. If employees are working for another employer it may not be possible to keep track of the hours they work in the other job therefore leading to the possibility of the regulations being breached. Employers should request a copy of the employee’s timesheet from their second job to help keep track of the total hours being worked and make all reasonable attempts to ensure the individual is not working in excess of the hours permitted. Employees should also be made aware that they too may face fines under these regulations if they are found to be in breach of same.
