Extended working hours

[winniebagum]

My friend has been working for a company for 6 years. There was a change of management 3 months ago and he was taken off the clock and put on a salary. Now his manager has told him he has to do more hours, including working on a Saturday, but he is just 2 years away from retirement and weekends is the only time he has with his grandchildren.His contract says 40 hours with additional hours to suit the benefit of the company. Can they force him to increase his hours at no extra salary. His manager told him the alternative would be a lower status with lower pay if he refused. He feels he is being forced to retire early. I hope there is an ABer who can help. Many thanks

[Catso]

I don't know the exact legal position, try asking the CAB for advice.

My opinion: in the UK it seems to be expected that people should work extra time, if asked, maybe without extra pay. Your friend's contract says this and he agreed to it. But asking him to do every Saturday seems a bit much, especially if he's 63 (guessing age). This seems rather like a permanent increase in hours, which would not be legal (it's changing the contracted 40 hours).

I would have thought that unless the contact was changed, or his job changed completely, his money could not be cut; 'lower status' is not a good enough reason for a pay cut.

All this does look rather like constructive dismissal.

[winniebagum]

Thanks catso, I will ask him to contact CBA. It seems it is a very busy time of year and as one member of staff has left they do not wish to replace him but need cover up till 8pm each weekday as well as Saturday. My friend normally works 8am to 5pm Mon to Fri. I personally think this is unacceptable but needed him to know his position legally. Many thanks for your help