Being forced to change job location. HELP!

Hazel2705

I have worked at the same company for 5 years. There are 4 of us drivers that work part time. 2 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon.

Yesterday I got into work and was told that they want to get rid of 2 part time drivers (one morning and one afternoon I assume) and employ a full timer and move these 2 drivers to another branch that has vacancies.

I was offered the morning job (My husband works afternoons so between us we look after our daughter without the need for childcare) at the other branch but this would treble my fuel costs per month so it's not financially possible for me to do this. I asked the manager what would happen if I refused to move ie redundancy money or constructive dismissal? He didn't know so is going to get back to me but did say he didn't want anyone haing to leave.

I told my boss that it would cost too much. Also my husband has to sometimes drop my daughter to me when I finish work so he can take the car to his work so I'm left with the option of taking the job at another branch but being minus on my monthly budget because of the fuel cost or letting them sack me and then try and claim JSA to tide me over until I find another job.

My contract states that they may move employees if it meets the needs of the business.

I don't know how they will choose who will go to the other branch. I did joke that they will pull a name out a hat but who knows.

Anyone know what I can do? Do they have to pay my extra travel expenses if they force me to go? Is this in actual fact redundancy?

bluenoseam

"My contract states that they may move employees if it meets the needs of the business."

could be wrong, but i doubt this means they'd pay your extra travel expenses.

SarEl

No, I am afraid that this isn't a redundancy because the contract gives them the right to relocate you. Whether they will pay for the additional travel expenses (for a period - nobody will pay for them for ever) is therefore up to the employer to decide.

MrRedundant

They don't need to pay you expenses. Depending on the wording of the contract its potentially a redundancy situation if you refuse.

Hazel2705

Thanks for the replies. It's best if I know where I stand as there will be no point fighting it which could be expensive and I'll lose in he end anyway.

So, when my boss comes to me and says "From tomorrow you will be working in the other branch" what do I do? Obviously if I quit I'm not going to be able to get any JSA.

MrRedundant

Well you don't quit.
You probably need specialist advice based on your contract whether you can refuse.

If your contract gives them the right to change your location permanently then you have no choice but to resign if you can't move; however; in these cases JSA might not be sanctioned as heavily.

If you can refuse then refuse and see what they say next. If they wish to get rid they would then follow the proper redundancy process.

Best bet is to phone ACAS or your insurers if you have legal protection for advice.

getmore4less

Check your contract for any mobility clauses and how reasonable they are

Even then then the move has to be reasonable or it should be redunancy.
(AIUI under the implied term of mutual trust and confidence)

How resonable the move is will depend on a lot of things start with
How far away is the other depot
How much longer does it take to get there.
Extra costs
Hours worked

If there are 2 of you on mornings what selection criteria have been used.
Have all the part timers been offered the full time job.

Hazel2705

getmore4less wrote: »

Check your contract for any mobility clauses and how reasonable they are

Even then then the move has to be reasonable or it should be redunancy.
(AIUI under the implied term of mutual trust and confidence)

How resonable the move is will depend on a lot of things start with
How far away is the other depot
How much longer does it take to get there.
Extra costs
Hours worked

If there are 2 of you on mornings what selection criteria have been used.
Have all the part timers been offered the full time job.

Yes, we've all been offered the full time job. I obviously can't do it because of husband works afternoons.

The next branch is only 15 miles further but being part time it's not worth me travelling that far for part time wages and it would clock up to 30 more miles a day. My car is an old banger and doing this extra mileage would kill within a few months, we were planning on scrapping it before the next MOT anyway and I could have cycled or husband dropped me off until we had saved up for another car.

Oh well. If they choose me I'll just have to look for another job more local to me and go without food for a few months. It's always easier to find work if you're already employed and some money is better than no money.

CFC

Sar El is right, sorry for your problem

getmore4less

So did none of the existing part timers want the full time post?

That distance might be a bit too close but still relatively a long way for a low paid part time job.

Still worth consulting to try to keep your job at the local place.

Check with the others no one can do the full time or swap shifts.

What are the current arrangements for holidays and sick, with reduced staff numbers this will become more difficult for them to manage.

What benifits do they think they are getting by making this change, total hours seem the same.

Drmora23

If you have a contract that says so then you have to comply. Ask your employer to compensate for the hassles the job will bring you. I think that is the best way.