Increase of hours

[hayleyj]

Hi, I wonder if anyone can give me some advice?
I have worked for the same employer for 6 years working Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and Saturdys 9am-1pm, taking an unpaid hours lunch on the weekdays only. My employer has recently told me I am now only allowed to take 1/2 hour lunch break (unpaid) I have no written contract with my employer (which I've been told this is not right?!) can they change my lunch break just like that? and can I refuse to their change?

[buildersmate]

You do have an entitlement to a written statement of particulars of your employment and your employer is in breach by not giving you this. See here.
http://www.berr.gov.uk/employment/employment-l egislation/employment-guidance/page16367.html# What%20information%20must%20the%20written%20st atement%20include?
However it matters not - you have established what your working hours are - the same as they have been for 6 years and your employer just can't change these without your agreement. Your Q is not clear whether your employer is expecting you to work 2.5 hrs extra per week for no more pay (which you should certainly resist) or whether he is proposing to knock 30 minutes off the end of the day (which may suit you - but again you do not have to agree).
Start by quoting the Regs in the link at him - should get the wind up him.

[hayleyj]

Thanks buildersmate, I am expected to work the extra hours and not finish 1/2 hour early!

[buildersmate]

That's ridiculous.

[hayleyj]

I agree yes it is!!!