We have 100 members of staff who are required to do standby and callout as part of their T&Cs. 8 of them are plumbers and have never been forced to do standby. Their manager (who no longer works for us) always did the standby if the guys wouldnt do it! He never challenged this issue in 3 years.

We now need to ensure all 8 plumbers take their turn on a 8 week rota. Three have agreed to do the standby, but the others are still refusing, using health and family commitments to get out of it.

As this wasnt challenged by the previous manager can we go ahead and tackle this problem, without it becoming a custom & practice?

Their contracts were negotiated and agreed with their unions 3 years ago. All other staff cover standby.

Any help very much appreciated.
Jennet Simpson