Relocation

[littlefonzy]

Hi everyone,

I have an employee rights question that I need some advice on.

Scenario
I began working for start-up company which is part of a much larger group of companies in April 2015. I have worked in two different offices within about 5 miles of each other for the past 11 months. There is now talk of moving the office to 60 miles away.

I have a contract in place which states the following;

17. Place of work

As notified to you on behalf of the Employer. The employer reserves the right to require you to work at such other location as the employer may reasonably specify from time to time. You are however currently based in the [location] of [Company name]: Address 1, Address 2; Town/city; Postcode.

My question is whether there is anything I can do to avoid this relocation?

Just for some soft-facts; I am a key member of the start-up team, with the current office being perfectly viable. The reason for the move is apparently being a visually more unified team which I feel is not required.

[Kati]

Re: Relocation

I'll tag [MENTION=26290]mariefab[/MENTION] for you xx

[mariefab]

Re: Relocation

That mobility clause isn't strong enough to enable them to say that you are required under your contract to relocate with your role to the new office. It just covers occasional temporary working at their other sites.
However, your choices are limited to re-location or redundancy.
You can try your best to persuade them not to move; but it's the employer's decision.
If you want to stay with the Company you could negotiate flexibility on start/finish times, perhaps some home-working and covering your additional travelcosts.

[littlefonzy]

Re: Relocation

Hi mariefab

Thank you for your reply and suggestions. And thank you to Kati too :-)

One little wrinkle, I have a condition where extended periods in the car in the morning cause me to lack focus and cause me pain. It's a condition affecting my balance and hearing function.

I was planning to visit a doctor to explain this and the office move and get some kind of letter drawn up by the doctor to present to my directors.

What standing do I have considering that?

Thank you.

[mariefab]

Re: Relocation

A person has a disability if they have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial(1) and long-term(2) adverse effect(3) on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities(4).
1 = not trivial, 2 = lasted, or will last, at least 12 months??? 3 = pain , 4 =driving

Your condition could qualify as a disability.
Employers are required to make reasonable adjustments for disabled employees.
So, if your employer is aware (or has it brought to their attention) that you have a disability the likelihood of getting their agreement to flexibility on start/finish times and some home working would be increased.
It would have no effect on their decision to move though.