legal?

[Gemba100]

I am after some advice really - a collegue of mine was moved from one location to another in our organisation on a temporary contract. He has been in this role for 4 years. On monday he received a letter saying that as he was still on a temporary role, this meant he was 'in development' and therefore the organisation is reducing his pay by �100 every month - from 1st May. He received this letter on the 22nd May.
He has never had any queries over his work, and although the move was temporary, there was never any mention of it still being a temporary position after 4 years! Although no official documentation was received, he thought he was permanant due to the lenght of time in the position and the fact that the company are happy with his work.

This news has come after a review of policies within the organisation - within the new policy a temporary assignment lasts up to 18 months.

Can the company actually do what they've done legally?
reduce his pay (after informing him) and tell him hes now in development even though he has shown compentancy for 4 years???

Any help or advice greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[undercovers]

no they can't change his salary without his agreement - he need simply refuse the reduction to his wage and then if they still go on to reduce it he can threaten legal action which he would quite easily win... he should go and see someone at the CAB office but this is quite clearly not permissable.

after he has been to the CAB, or even a solicitor (first half an hour is free in many places), he should write a letter to the boss (or get the solicitor to do it - though this would be for a small fee) refusing the reduction in pay and asking for a proper contract that they are obliged to provide him, this should not be a temporary contract as this is also illegal after certain lengths of service to protect workers rights.

good luck to your friend

Undercovers

[Gemba100]

thanks very much Undercovers - I'll pass it on