Employer wanting to change contract (notice period)

[tombeloro]

Hi,

I've been with my current employer for nearly 5 years now and in the past 6 months things have really changed for the worst!! Company isn't in financial difficulty or anything, I'm an accountant I know, just the culture and the way management are behaving.

Anyway several long serving, and in my opinion quite important, members of have left or handed in their notices. I'm currently wanting to do the same and as soon as I find another job will be handing in my notice. However, yesterday my I received a letter from manager via HR to amend my notice period from 1 month to 3 months!

Initially I was asked to sign this on the spot but I talked my way out of it and asked to be given until Monday. What can be the consequences of refusing to agree to this change?

Thanks

[charitynjw]

Re: Employer wanting to change contract (notice period)

Hi tombeloro,

A contract of employment is an agreement between the employer & employee as to the conditions of employment, pay, holiday entitlement, etc.
It cannot be unilaterally changed - it must be a two-way thing.
However, employment rights refer to unfair dismissal, not dismissal per se.
As long as an appropriate procedure is carried out according to contractual T&C's, the employer can dismiss employees, just like the employee can resign.

[tombeloro]

Re: Employer wanting to change contract (notice period)

Not overly worried about being dismissed, mainly because the situation the company have put themselves in with there being very small number of people who have business know how and have become very relied up on. Don't get me wrong I'm not saying I'm indispensable but if I was dismissed they (my employer) would be cutting of their nose to spite their face.

I think having thought about it properly what I would really want to know is if was to be dismissed for not signing this would I be given a months notice (month pay), similar to when I have to give notice if/when I leave?

Thanks

[charitynjw]

Re: Employer wanting to change contract (notice period)

You would receive statutory notice or contractual notice, whichever is the most favourable.

Here's what ACAS say.

[tombeloro]

Re: Employer wanting to change contract (notice period)

Thanks charityniw