Can employer cut our pay?

micknmace

I do homecare & have been with the same employer for nearly 6 yrs. Just recently a very large company have won the tender to take control of care packages away from the local council. Their prices are slightly less which is having the knock on effect of what they give our bosses resulting in our pay being cut. The majority of our calls are 1/2hr calls which we were paid £4.25 per call (last payrise was 5p per call May 2007). I received a letter on Friday 18th stating that we will only receive £4. per call starting Monday 21st November. Also 1 & 1/2 wk ago, there was a meeting in the office which I was unable to attend as I already had appts of my own. I have been informed by a colleague that we will no longer get double pay on Bank Holidays & that our fuel payments are changing to 4 levels/zones instead of 40p per mile (one way only), which means we will get less for that to. At a time when everything seems to be on the increase can anyone please advise on where we stand? Please help.

SarEl

I am afraid that you probably don't stand anywhere. The employer cannot unilaterally change your pay rate - you have the legal right to refuse to accept the contractual change. However, they will then enforce the change, which will involve serving you notice and offering you a new contract containing the new terms, but with your continuous service intact. You accept it or not - if you don't it is considered that you have resigned. You would then ne anle to claim unfair dismissal, but I am afraid that I would not hold my breath on your winning such a case. You have already explained graphically the employers case - the company has to remain competitive or it will lose its contracts and will be unable to compete with others in the field. Since that would lead to job losses, the employer is making this cut on the grounds of business need.