Can period of notice just be chenged by email?

EdGasket

My wife's contract that she signed says she has to give one months notice to terminate employment. A recent email came round saying this had been extended to two months in line with surrounding NHS districts. Can they just change her terms of employment like that without any consultation or agreement by the employees affected?

Undervalued

Broadly speaking yes.

It is far easier than most people realise for an employer to change the terms of your employment. If you don't agree and negotiation fails then your only remaining option is to resign and claim unfair dismissal. It would then be up to a tribunal to decide if the change was reasonable. If you win you will get some compensation but you won't get your job back.

sangie595

This is NHS. So I can guarantee you that the consultation and agreement took place. With the representatives of the recognised unions. Hence, they don't need to consult your wife or warn her in advanc, and they don't need her agreement.

sangie595

Ps. Forgot to add, in these circumstances with a union agreement you wouldn't win a tribunal anyway. A union agreed term tops any individual claim.