Some groups of workers whose jobs involves working on Sundays, have certain protections.
If you are a Shop worker or you work in the betting industry – at race tracks or licensed betting shops or offices – for example, you are covered.
The protection allows you to resist pressure from your employer to work on a Sunday if you do not want to. You should not be dismissed, or made redundant or disciplined for refusing to work Sundays. You are protected only if you work in these jobs – other workers should look at their contracts of employment to see if it refers to Sunday working. You are not protected if you have agreed, in your contract of employment, to work on Sundays. You are not covered if you only work on Sundays.
There are no regulations which cover how much you have to be paid for Sunday working. Obviously you must receive at least the Statutory Minimum wage – CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON MINIMUM WAGE. Check your contract for details of overtime payments for Sunday working. If you only work on a Sunday you are unlikely to receive any enhanced pay, but if you have worked a full week and then the Sunday as well, many firms will pay overtime rates, typically double time for a Sunday.
If you are involved in a dispute over Sunday working that is connected with your religious views, you may be protected under the Equality Act and you should seek prompt advice on your situation. This could be discrimination on the ground of religious belief and you are entitled to protection and possibly compensation.