Contract changes

[Extrachilli]

I currently work a 3 shift rota (6/2, 2/10, 10/6 rotating weekly) Monday to Friday. Any weekend overtime is paid at 1.5x hourly rate for Sat and 2x for Sun. The company want to introduce a new shift rota which incorporates my annual holidays and includes weekend working as "normal time", ie, not premium rates. Having reached an impasse for implementation this year, the company have said they will enforce the change for Jan 1st, 2006. What are my rights, as I don't want to work weekends regularly and especially not for a pay rise of �7 per week?

[willow74]

Its best to call The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) National helpline on

08457 47 47 47

They can help with all queries on time off, holidays, hours etc

They do have a website too http://www.acas.org.uk/

 

[undercovers]

"If an employer imposes changes in contractual terms without the agreement of the employee, there will be a breach of contract." from http://www.acas.org.uk/publications/al02.html

I'd have a read through the link above and your contract. I think your employer will not be able to change your pay without your agreement - so don't agree and see go see your C.A.B office for some better advice. good luck and don't let them break you down

[atolhurst]

Unless you agree to the changes, they will have to continue in the way they have been up until now. Pay and working hours are contractual issues, and you must agree to the new terms of contract. Hence, they can't enforce anything like that.

Do have a read of your current contract though and check that they haven't put an expiry date in it. ie "this contract is valid until 31st Dec 2005". If they haven't, then your contract stands for as long as you are happy. Bear in mind however that if you ever want a payrise, they might insist you agree to the new terms.

Worse case scenario; they could could make you redundant, if you won't agree to the new terms.

Contact citizens advice bureau for more info on your legal standing.