‘Demoted’ colleague

[BR36]

A colleague of mine (UK based) has effectively been demoted to a position of lower status (salary remains the same but he no longer has any of his former team reporting to him....he no longer has any direct reports). He has never been the subject of any formal performance related discussions, he was simply told he would be moved aside and another colleague (a political animal who is known to undermine others in order to make himself look more competent) has replaced him (the role hasn’t been advertised, he was simply put into the role and this in itself has angered some who saw this as a future development opportunity). Does my demoted colleague have any rights?

[ULA]

How long has your colleague been employed at the company?
Has there been any other detrimental changes to your colleagues terms and conditions of employment?*

[BR36]

Hi, he’s been employed for 20+ years, in current role for 2. No other changes to T&Cs

[ULA]

Do you know whether this is part of any internal restructuring of the business?

Given that there has been no other detrimental change to his terms and conditions of employment e.g. salary, holiday etc, then I suggest that if your colleague believes that the changes to his job role are of such significance as to amount to a demotion, then he should first try and resolve the issue on an informal basis with the company.

Very often, issues can be resolved quickly and easily through a conversation with management/HR. Failing this, he needs to consider following your organisation's internal complaints process by raising a formal grievance in writing, so as to give your employer the opportunity to resolve the matter.

In these circumstances, it may be appropriate to "work under protest", i.e. for him to continue to do the job and work for your employer pending resolution of the matter, while making it clear in writing that by doing so he does not agree with and is not accepting the demotion.

If working under protest, he should confirm this status on a regular basis to ensure clarity of his position while the dispute is being resolved.
*