On-call
On-call scheduling, sometimes referred to as on-call shifts are processes used in business where employee work schedules are intentionally unpredictable. Employees who work on-call are expected to be available at any time during their shift, usually with short notice, to carry out their working duties.[1] Depending on the nature of the profession, on-call duties may vary from what is expected during normal working hours[2] to emergency cover only.[3]
Classification
An individual working on-call usually has a regular waged or salaried term of employment, to which working on-call is an addendum (e.g. doctors, veterinarians, engineers, emergency services). In the case of firefighters, some firefighters may be exclusively on-call firefighters,[4] whereas salaried firefighters work ordinary shifts. In the UK, on-call firefighters are paid a retainer fee. They are then paid per hour for attending incidents and training.[5][6] When on call, firefighters can be no more than 5 minutes travel time away from their fire station, and cannot consume drugs or alcohol.[6]
References
- "On Call Definition". Cambridge Dictionary. Retrieved 9 November 2017.
- "Doctor On Call". Royal College of Physicians. Retrieved 9 November 2017.
- "Emergency plumber". EPHG Limited. Retrieved 9 November 2017.
- "On-call firefighters". www.nationalfirechiefs.org.uk. Retrieved 2020-01-18.
- "On-call firefighter pay explained | County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service". www.ddfire.gov.uk. Retrieved 2020-01-18.
- "On call: FAQs | Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service". www.hwfire.org.uk. Retrieved 2020-01-18.