Overtime

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What it really means

Hours worked beyond your normal contracted hours. Some jobs pay extra for it, some pay your normal rate, and some expect unpaid overtime. Always check your contract — there is no automatic legal right to extra pay for it in the UK.

Chinese explanation

加班：超出合同约定正常工时的部分。有的工作额外付酬，有的按正常时薪付，有的则默认无薪加班。务必看合同——英国并无“加班必付额外工资”的自动法律权利。

Example conversation

A: They asked me to stay late again. B: Is the overtime paid, or is it expected for free?

A：他们又让我留下来加班。 B：加班有钱吗，还是默认免费加？

What you could say back

“Is overtime paid at a higher rate?”

Related phrases

Time and a half TOIL (time off in lieu) Shift work

Official sources

Rules and amounts change — confirm important details with the official source.

Go deeper

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Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team · Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake