Change to contract

[rizel23]

Dear all,

I'm employed by a local county council, and they are proposing to change the hours of operation.

The working hours will have a significant impact on our social life, as proposed hours will be extended initially to 23.00 from original 19.30 hours finish then a year later till 00.00 from 19.30 hours finish originally. This is shift working.

Obviously members within my team are not happy, but this change is related to needs of the business service.

Can anyone please advise on the amount of time they legally have to give staff in writing on changes to contract and if there are objections what would be the correct procedure to follow?

Thanks

[labman]

Re: Change to contract

Is there not a union rep to negotiate you through this?

Obviouslythey must legally be able to change hours if the needs of business demand it, otherwise you'd all be out of a job. As to the notice period, I don't know, and it could possibly be one of those things that has regional variations, but I'll try to have a snoop around and see if I can find anything.

[strangewayofsavin]

Re: Change to contract

The legal amount of time is 1 month prior to the change in writting, this gives you 4 weeks to read, understand, gain advice and respond, you do not have to accept the changes, but if they are in line with cut backs, you may wish to decide between the change of hours, or laying a % of staff off.
You can also inform the company you will continue working for them under the new terms but under objection, that the new hours effect family life.
This will mean that you will do what they ask, but if the changes effect you later on, you may complain through ACAS etc( if they accept your objections in writting that is), of course you would only write to them and state" I agree to the new terms of contract only as a measure to protect my familes well being, and the change of hours effect the quality time I spend with my family,especially with my children".
When they write back stating they understand this bla bla bla, when your working hours actually effect your family life, you will have all the proof you need for an ACAS hearing under the Human rights act, pm me at that time and I will forward all the legal jargon you need.
SWOS

[rizel23]

Re: Change to contract

Many thanks all.

Yes of the three staff on site 2 of us have joined our local union, so will update thread in due course after further meetings this month.

[David-G1ZQC]

Re: Change to contract

Old thread this but here goes.
A similar thing is happening to me. Difference is I did not get any notification of the contract change to object to.
I am being blackmailed / bullied / harassed into doing more unsociable hours than I do at present. I have raised a grievance with the help of ACAS and am waiting to hear from them. In the meantime I am off work due to stress and a ruined Christmas through worry. I intend to visit my Doctor as support. Any help would be appreciated.
All the best for the new year.

[teaboy2]

Re: Change to contract

I am being blackmailed / bullied / harassed into doing more unsociable hours than I do at present.

Could you be more precise, as you have certain protections in law to prevent this, but what you believe is or amounts too blackmail, bullying and/or harassment, does not necessary mean it actually is.

So to know for sure if you are a victim of such offenses. we need you to be a bit more precise as to the nature of such incidents and what was or had been said or done.