How are organisations managing and compensating employees for standby duty and call-outs? Our latest report offers an in-depth look, drawing on data collected by IDR from HR professionals at 78 organisations across the economy.
Here’s a brief overview of what we found:
- Standby arrangements: most organisations use formal roster systems to arrange standby cover, typically setting these rosters two weeks to a month in advance. In sectors with a higher risk of major incidents, some employers plan as far as a year ahead.
- Standby pay: the great majority of employers (92%) compensate employees for standby duty, with payments varying depending on the day. The highest rates are typically offered on holidays, with rates reaching up to £92.44 on special holidays like Christmas Day.
- Call-out payments: beyond standby allowances, 78% of organisations also provide call-out payments, often through overtime pay at premium rates. Premiums vary according to the day of the week and range from an average 38% on weekdays to 87% for standard bank holidays and 96% at Christmas and Easter. Some employers offer time off in lieu or a flat-rate amount for responding to call-outs.
These findings are just a snapshot of the comprehensive analysis available in the full report. If you are looking to better understand industry practices and refine your own standby and call-out policies, this report could provide valuable insights.
The full report is available for purchase at £449, with a 10% discount for survey participants and IDR subscribers.
