Can my employer reduce my wages without reducing my hours worked?

gingerdad

ceridwen wrote: »

I always understood that the law does not allow an employer to fill a position until 2 years after the person who had that position was made redundant. If one gets rid of employees on the normal wage - to take on NMW people in those same positions - then I would have thought that was illegal. Worth checking - and I certainly would if I was one of those workers.

I think its 6 months for the same job; it would be possible to employ someone else in a different role.

My thoughts you will either need to take the cut or find another job, it’s not nice, but if the cuts means the business continues everyone would be better off long term.

But as you say there is no guarantee of it surviving.

I would just start to look for another job.


Good Luck


GD

DES_1001

Just an idea but will the paycut and hours you work take you below the minimum wage?
If so you've GOT THEM

lee316

Both of us in my department do exactly the same job, I can't think of any way they could rename the position. Just been through my contract,it describes vaguely the job but there is not a mention of job title, so think if they want to rename the position I could argue that it could be the name of my position as I haven't got any? Also as the other person is only a couple of years away from retirement age and I am considerably younger, and the job is very physical, could I argue that it would make more sense to keep me?
The only difference is that that other person has been there two decades and i've only notched four.

MissMotivation

scottishchick27 wrote: »

My work place is in the same situation (estate agency) we've all had to cut our hours back from full time to 9-4 each day. It was either that or some people would have lost their jobs. Some of the people at my work are still working their normal hours but just getting paid for the new hours but no way would I do that, my wage is rubbish enough as it is. I would try to talk to your boss and let him know your thoughts and maybe any other ideas you have for making cut backs.

You're lucky that your hours have been cut! My employer, also EA, have INCREASED our working hours BUT not increased our pay! Crazy!

Incisor

MissMotivation wrote: »

You're lucky that your hours have been cut! My employer, also EA, have INCREASED our working hours BUT not increased our pay! Crazy!

Tell them that if your hours are increased from 7.5 to 8, you are quite happy to comply, but it will be 8 hours of 56.25 minutes.

pinkshoes

It's a tricky situation and one to tread carefully in.

Personally I'd accept the 20% pay cut on the condition that you only work a 4 day week.

If the company is having financial troubles, and no one accepts a pay cut, then chances are that some of you could be made redundant.

It's a tough time for everyone at the moment.

rlc_2

You've probably got a case for unfair dismissal but I'd try and negotiate your hours down instead.

lee316

Thanks everyone. Well had the meeting today, stated my case, and my proposal of four day week has been turned down flat. I don't want to go down the redundancy route as I can't afford it. No guarantees either way, I honestly think they are just clutching straws now. Time to look for another job, but in the current climate what are my chances realistically of getting anything.

orlao

As long as your contract states your salary and normal working week (as it should) they cannot force you to take the pay cut.....as you have to agree to a variation of contract. There only option in those circs is to make you redundant which they can legally do as your original job ie the one that exists now with your salary and hours and will change if only by the salary. It is a very grey area in law and TBH if that happened I reckon that you would have a very strong case at an employment tribunal but often small companies don't take advice or expect their employees to take it that far IYSWIM.

The only reason to let them make you redundant is for the 4 weeks salary you would receive tax free and instant access to the benefits system or any insurance you may have. It also takes away any awkward questions that may be asked at interviews in the future as to why/how you left your last job....but whether that is the right thing for you is another matter?

Talk to ACAS, they are very helpful and are happy to explain everything in laymans terms....

Good Luck

bewildered2

ur lucky my employer is suggesting the salaried staff agree to working a 4 day week for the month of Dec and will not get paid for it not only that but is asking the staff to work 5 days in Dec to reduce the risk of the 4 day week happening in Jan 09.

I am stunned and feel badly let down and we have redundancies outwith that. I feel absolutely shafted.