Forced to work less hours

[barb1314]

Where I work,we have all been asked to reduce our working hours by 1 to 2 hours a week whilst business is quieter.Everyone seems to have accepted this (myself included) and we would all rather do this than lose a member of staff.My question is do we have to agree?There are about 20 people involved.Also do the management have to review the situation and tell us when they will do it.We have been told it's a temporary measure.Can anyone advise?Thanks.

[cassa333]

Although I don't know the legal ramifications I would get them to give you a written agreement. Also find out if when the market picks up if they will give you overtime or an oppertunity to get back the money you have lost.

By the way I think it is extreamly good of you all to agree to this. So many people would have looked out for no: 1 and refused.

[sue11]

Depending on what your contract says, your company may be able to reduce your working hours in this manner, dependent on the needs of the business, but I believe they can only do this for a total of 4 weeks. Any longer and it then needs to be a change to your contract in which case I believe that they must give you a months written notice of the change. From what I understand you then have the chance to agree or refuse the new contract. If you refuse though and cannot agree new terms with your company, you stand the risk of being out of a job. This is a very simplistic explanation and I am sure someone like Ethel or Builders Mate will be able to give you more professional advice, but at least I have given you somewhere to start from! Best of luck, I would ensure that you get further advice if this starts to drag on too much.
Cheers Sue

[barb1314]

Thanks to you both.That's really interesting.We haven't been told how long this is for.I suggested a monthly review when I had my little meeting.We have no personnel manager and the general manager seems very unsure of what he is able to ask us to do.We are all doing it so the business is under a little less pressure.Like I mentioned this means the difference between someone keeping or losing their job. We work for a fairly small family business which on the surface is very successful but fixed costs have obviously increased and these next 3 months are crucial.My problem is that both me and my husband work there so we have lost double.The positive is that we both have a job.Fingers crossed for the future.Thanks again.