reduce my hours

Hi
I've worked for my company for nearly 19 years and they want to reduce my hours from 38 fulltime hour to just 20 hours but will not offer me redundancy! Can they do this?

Thankyou

Hi

In theory your employer can't simply make this change to your existing employment contract unless they have your full agreement. If your employer needs to make a change, they would have to consult with you fully to reach an agreement.

If your employer consults with you as they should, you could ask your employer to consider other ways to avoid the change e.g. temporary reduction in hours (short time working) etc, redundancy.

Ultimately employers that fail to get any agreement can terminate a contract of employment on the grounds and offer you a new contact of employment. This is risky as it would open your employer up to a claim of unfair dismissal.

If the variation to your contract of employment still remains the only option, there are several options you could take:

- accept the variation.

- refuse to work to the new terms and conditions and bring about a claim of unfair dismissal if you were dismissed.

- stay and work ‘under protest’ and bring a claim for unlawful deductions or breach of contract or in the case of a fundamental breach, resign and claim constructive dismissal;

- resign and claim constructive dismissal

If you take any action, it would be advisable to consult with your TU or solicitor first.