No change in overtime rules despite change in official working hours: Jihad

Finance Minister Abdulla Jihad has said that despite the change in official government working hours, no changes will be made to overtime rules.

Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office last night following the change in official government working hours, Jihad said that the government budget includes overtime, and that civil servants will be paid for the extra hours they put in.

“Civil Service regulation allows every civil servant to work extra time. They will earn overtime for the extra hours’ work,” Jihad said.

The Minister said that spending on electricity and water in government offices will be reduced as a result of the change in working hours from 8:00 to 3:00. He noted however that reducing costs was not the purpose of changing working hours.

Official government working hours during Gayoom’s regime was 7:30 to 2:30. Nasheed changed it to 8:00 to 4:00, and now President Dr Waheed has changed it to 8:00 to 3:00.